Join Me in an Art Adventure — Jessica Wachter

With the summer solstice already here, a new season is upon us with fresh opportunities for inspiration. I’m always trying to pour new energy into my creative process, finding different ways to feed my soul. So I decided to turn to my natural environment for that spark of summer creativity.

I recently rediscovered an old canvas. It’s a bigger piece, standing 120” x 120”. It is a transformational piece I wanted to work with once again in a new light. I took it outside to really lean into the process of painting it in a different environment, which made a big difference.

I escaped my sanctuary (aka my studio) to my secret destination along the banks of the Missouri River. This place is an immense energy source for me. There, it’s underdeveloped and mostly untouched other than the wildlife I encounter. Sitting along the banks with the canvas provided that contemplative moment to observe, breathe, and listen simply.

A freedom washed over me, unlike before, and I was able to create from a completely different place within myself.

The lush forest also served as organic inspiration for the green color paint I used. I hung the canvas from two different trees to paint, and I gave myself permission to try something new with my technique, which was emotionally freeing. In the meditative stillness, I even let the trees, bugs, and animals leave some imprints on the canvas. It felt like calm reciprocity, where I left a mark on nature, and nature left a mark on me and my art. A moment of pure happiness flooded me, for the happiness came from within. My experience along the river allowed me to try something new while painting. It also caused me to view this piece with renewed perspective.

As the season's transform, so does art, and this is my testament to that process, which is beautiful and meditative. How is your environment motivating you this season? For you, it might mean incorporating something new into your routine or going after your passion project. Whatever you decide, may it bring you much joy, satisfaction, and most importantly, enjoyment in the process, which is where life tends to happen most of the time.

You can view my nature escape captured in this video. I welcome you to a behind-the-scenes look at this experience and what inspired me to go outdoors to try a new creative approach.

Cheers,