The Influence of Surroundings: How Beauty Shapes Art

Iris Sky

In the quiet corners of our lives, where the hum of the world fades into whispers, lies a canvas waiting to be filled. It's in these spaces, amidst the delicate dance of light and shadow, artists find their sanctuary. For me, that sanctuary is my studio, where the hues of the sky currently mingle with the beauty of purple and yellow Iris flowers outside my door, inspiring my latest creation: "Iris Sky."

As I stood back to admire my finished pastel painting, it struck me—the colors, the essence of those vibrant blooms, had woven themselves into my art. And so, "Iris Sky" was born, a serendipitous blend of nature's beauty and my creative expression.

Reflecting on this happy coincidence led me to ponder the profound impact our surroundings have on our work. Whether we realize it or not, the world we immerse ourselves in seeps into our art, shaping it in subtle yet significant ways.

Consider, for a moment, the power of beauty. Surrounded by lush landscapes, vibrant hues, and delicate petals, our minds drink in inspiration like parched soil soaking up rain. Just as the Iris flowers outside my studio window found their way onto my canvas, so too does the beauty around us find its reflection in our art.

But beauty is not confined to landscapes and flowers alone. It manifests in the simple joys of everyday life—the warmth of a smile, the laughter of loved ones, the tranquility of a quiet moment. These moments, these fragments of beauty, infuse our work with depth and meaning, imbuing it with the essence of our experiences.

Conversely, consider the impact of chaos and clutter. In a world filled with noise and distraction, our art becomes a reflection of the tumult within. Like a mirror held up to our souls, it echoes the discord of our surroundings, capturing the frenetic energy in strokes of frustration and unrest.

Yet, amidst the chaos, there is still beauty to be found. In the interplay of light and shadow, in the raw emotion of a turbulent sky, there lies a different kind of inspiration—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is beauty waiting to be discovered.

So, as artists, as creators, we must be mindful of what we invite into our world. I feel we must cultivate spaces filled with beauty, with inspiration, with the essence of all which bring us joy. For it is in these spaces our art truly flourishes, reflecting not only the world around us, but the beauty within ourselves.

As I sign off on this reflection, surrounded by the gentle hues of "Iris Sky," I'm reminded once again of the profound truth that beauty begets beauty, and that in every stroke of the pastel, in every whisper of color, I find a reflection of the world I'm surrounded by.

May your canvas be filled with the hues of your heart, and may your surroundings be a tapestry of beauty, inspiring your art now and always.

With love and creativity,
--Jai

Iris Sky Palette of Color