Painting Nature, Releasing the Dragon

I love painting nature freely and intuitively —without reference photos, or even a clear image in my conscious mind.

For me, the best way to create is when the picture simply flows from the pen or brush. It feels like my whole existence is tied to it. When I took this small abstract painting to the garden, it became clear where the inspiration had come from.

For me, nature feels freedom. And if I cannot make art freely, I get irritable and the colors disappear from my life.

Living in Between

Recently when I have been living in between painting series. One series ended, and the next one has not started yet. I have been gathering materials and ideas, thinking about canvas sizes, and all that planning is driving me crazy.

Yes, crazy!

I feel like I just need to create and create—the new images are already pushing to come out!

Still, this time has been meaningful. I have been working on my newest course, Drawing Soulfully, which is very close to my heart. As I have edited the instructional videos, it has been satisfying to pack deeply considered content – the explanations of how to create freely and grow that skill – into each minute.

And it has been a pleasure to see the artworks from the participants. They are amazing, and I am so grateful I am able to see them.

Intuitive Nature Painting

This week on Monday, however, I rushed into my small studio feeling like I was about to burst. “Give me some paper or anything!” I yelled to myself. I found a small canvas board, grabbed my acrylic paints, and started painting.

“What are you painting, Päivi?” I felt like asking myself, but soon swallowed the question.

There are artists who choose reference photos, plan color palettes, study the direction of light, reflections, and shadows, and paint landscapes of clearly recognizable places. All honor to them! But to me, nature appears as a system where one thing follows another.

When I start painting, it’s like turning on a machine, and the machine feels both intuitive and logical.

As the picture begins to take shape, I feel like I jump inside it, breathe its air, and hear its sounds. At the same time, I feel the tension inside me loosen and peace return to my mind. It’s the magic of intuitive painting! No shopping, scrolling, or even walking in nature gives me that same feeling.

Creative People Have Their Dragons

There is a lot of creativity in the world that people try to suppress by consuming more stuff, looking at more content, and seeking more experiences.

I also do those things. I often get the feeling that I should go buy new art supplies, browse master paintings online, or take photos of nature—right when the best solution is to just start creating. It is as if I have a dragon inside me that eats up beauty the longer it is kept locked up. But once it is released, it flies, carrying even heavy burdens with ease.

How about you? Do you ever catch yourself consuming or planning when you should just be creating?