It’s - 10 degrees today where I am, and my views outside are a palette of white and various shades of gray.
I know a few artists who do grays exceptionally well. My favorite is Joseph Zbukvic, known worldwide as a Master Artist, and who is famous for his use of grays in his watercolor paintings. He’s even collaborated with Daniel Smith to create three luscious grays which are lovely for studio and plein air painting.
“I’m asked endlessly what grey I use..I actually make up my own using just about every colour on my palette….”
– Joseph Zbukvic
Joseph Zbukvic painting using Joseph Z’s Warm Grey
Another artist who paints beautifully with grays is Winslow Homer, who created dazzling watercolors during his vacations to the Caribbean. I love his “Along the Road, Bahamas” painting.
Along the Road, Bahamas by Winslow Homer, 1885
Winslow is not the only artist to be captivated by the Caribbean. I have been too, along with several great writers like T.S. Eliot and especially Ernest Hemingway, whose depictions of Island life on Bimini in “Islands in the Stream” were a great inspiration for me.
Below is a collection of images I put together this week that convey all of my favorite things about the Bahamas (since that is where I am mentally today). It even features several more of Winslow’s gorgeous paintings.
All images in this mood board were pinned from Pinterest. Want to see the full collection? Join me on Pinterest here!
Have you tried creating mood boards to spark inspiration and explore creative themes? I would love to hear what you’re working on now. Drop a comment below or send me an email with a link to your board so I can see what inspires you!
HELLO FRIEND! I’m JENNA ERICKSON
Founder & Lead Travel Ambassador for OPEN AIR PLACES.
Over the past eight years, I've worked hard at perfecting the art of retreat planning along with developing my own creative practice as an artist.
I've been fortunate to build highly successful retreat programs for artists at two destinations in the Midwest (one on Madeline Island, the other in beautiful, Bayfield, WI) where internationally recognized instructors lead retreats. Not only have I helped thousands of students experience the chance to "dig in" and develop their creative vision with a retreat or workshop, now I have the honor of sharing how travel with OPEN AIR PLACES can nourish the creative spirit.
Want to get social? Follow along with me on Instagram at @openairplaces.
I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE MORE WITH YOU SOON!
xoxo
JENNA