Why Clouds?

The Dance Above #6

Someone asked me why I paint so many clouds...so I'll try to explain.

In every landscape photograph I capture when I'm out in nature, the sky takes center stage, but it's not the plain, unbroken blue I look for with my lens. No, it's skies with clouds that tell the story, painting the canvas of the atmosphere with ever-changing shapes, shades and moods. Whether they're light wisps dancing across the sky, big white fluffies floating lazily by, or ominous storm clouds brewing on the horizon, each cloud carries a tale of its own.

For me, clouds are a reflection of life itself—a reminder of the ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. Just as the sky transforms from clear to cloudy, from stormy to serene, so too does life change and evolve. In moments of darkness and despair, when it feels like a storm will never pass, the sight of clouds reminds me that nothing lasts forever. Just as the storm clouds eventually disperse, so too will my troubles fade away, making room for brighter days ahead.

Even on the sunniest of days, when the sky is adorned with nothing but light, fluffy clouds, there's a mesmerizing beauty in their gentle movements and ever-shifting shapes. It's as if nature has laid out a captivating show just for me—one that requires no ticket or reservation. Watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky becomes my entertainment, a soothing balm for the soul that offers solace and tranquility in even the most trying times.

So, the next time you look up at the sky and see clouds painting patterns against the blue, remember that they're not just clouds; they're storytellers and reminders of the ever-changing nature of life. Embrace their beauty, find solace in their movement, and let them guide you through the storms, knowing that clearer skies lie ahead.  Someone said to me a long time ago, "this too shall pass".  And that's the way it is with clouds...they will dissipate, change, and recreate themselves, sometimes in just a matter of seconds.  To me, that's incredibly fascinating and powerful!

In my big skies series of art, clouds are not just elements of the sky; they're the soul of my paintings. They elevate the scene, infusing it with life, emotion, and meaning. So the next time you look at one of my sky paintings, take a moment to appreciate those clouds, and perhaps you'll discover a new depth and meaning to the world I've created.