There are always visits from little creatures; insects; birds and animals when you paint outdoors - always! An incredible week of Nature Magic - it began while down at the lakeshore painting my wild rose -water goddess. The sweet scent of wild roses filled the air, the gentle lapping of the water and warmth of early June sunshine melted me into a peaceful state and inspired my latest painting.
Drawing upon the energy and soulfulness I encounter in the wilds of Mother Nature
“When we encounter wild rose flowers, we tap into our creative potential and express our unique talents. Seeing wild rose flowers can be the first step in finding balance and harmony in our lives, both spiritually and mentally” - See full article below
Day one
Another recycled canvas; I cover the canvas with acrylic as a base and let it dry in the sunshine. Drawn to a little peaceful area close to the water underneath a charming willow, I begin to paint harnessing the energy of the water and sunshine and the delightful aroma of the wild pink roses guide my paintbrush.
“One of the essential spiritual meanings attached to wild rose flowers is their symbolism of love and devotion. These flowers have been used for centuries to represent love, appreciation, and gratitude. Wild rose flowers are also considered to be the embodiment of femininity, grace, and elegance” - See full article below
I mix up some earth paint to create a skin tone for the face and arms and then work on her body. I hear a noise and look up to find a young prince; crowned with small velvet like horns, slowly wading through the water with grace and elegance. He stops under the willow and stretches his long elegant neck, reaching up to feast on the vibrant green; fresh growth of juicy leaves.
He is aware of my presence; I stop painting; he seems happy enough to let me continue observing him and harnessing his peacefulness.
Deer are a wonderful reminder for us to slow down and be gentle on ourselves; this gentleness will help us to feel more peaceful. He stayed for at least 20 minutes or so enjoying the coolness of the water and abundant food found at the lakeshore. After he left I started painting once more - with a much slower and gentle rythm. Truly grateful for this sacred time with the young buck.
Day Two
Life and death - Baby ducklings appeared from out of the long grasses right next to where I was sitting on the rocks at the lakeshore. I was collecting a little lake water to continue painting but decided to rest a while. Oh my goodness, they were cutest little chicks I had ever seen; eight stripy little balls of fluff chirping away; their mother on the edge of the shoreline in the water, keeping a watchful eye. The ducklings chased and snapped at a tiny blue butterfly fluttering by. It was like watching young children, wild, curious and playful; it wasn’t long before one of the hungry little ducklings managed to catch the butterfly for its lunch.
Death witnessed in nature seems perfectly normal - part of the life cycle - only last week was I sketching the very same species of butterflies -one landed on my hand at the potholes in Sooke on Vancouver island).
It made me ponder for a while, about life and death. I stayed close to the water and allowed the gentle lapping of the water to relax me and breathe in the sweet scent of the wild roses; letting go of any tension.
“Wild rose flowers are also associated with the element of water. Water is a symbol of emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Wild rose flowers can help us connect with our emotions and intuition, allowing us to tap into our inner wisdom and guidance. These flowers can also help us release emotional blockages and find a sense of peace and calm within ourselves”
I watched the mother and ducklings disappear into the distance and smiled joyfully thinking of how fortunate I was to see how the natural world works; how we too, are part of nature and it’s incredible life cycle. Again, returning to my painting I felt humbled and excited to paint that feeling of peace, connection and abundant joy into my painting.
Day Three
A snake slithered my way; stopping for a moment (as I tried to keep still after my initial flinch as you do sometimes when something catches you unaware.) before slithering off into the gravel next to the wild rose bush. Snake represents transmutation. What was the snake wanting me to remember - that (I am) we are universal beings, this too is very much infused into the painting - inviting the viewer to find a new rhythm and let your body flow like a river winding its way toward the great waters of the sea. Immerse yourself in the water, and know that every single droplet which you represent is being accepted as the whole.
JOY and CREATIVITY
Earlier that morning when at the same rose bush, a hummingbird arrived to say hello. I could hear her before I saw her…such fairylike creatures, every sighting is as magical as the first - enchanting and whimsical. Hummingbird represents joy. Hummingbird hears celestial music and is in harmony with it. Hummingbirds mission is to spread joy , and experience a renewal of the magic of living.
The same day, returning to my painting after my lunch, was a very flat looking spider crawling across my rose water goddess - how apt- the spider reminds us to honour our creativity.
As you can see; its impossible not to infuse the natural world into my paintings…and in the most authentic, organic, free-flowing way. Always a story unravelling to share so that others can harness the love and beauty; the mystery and healing powers of our Mother Earth in their own home through my art.
The wild pink roses remind us of the importance of caring for oneself and the environment around us.
Wild Rose Water Goddess
With this painting you will receive a personalized meditation and a mini booklet on the journey of creating The Wild Rose Water Goddess. If you are interested in purchasing this original artwork or prints please contact me direct or visit my website shop: marghanita.com
Wild Rose Water Goddess Mixed Media Watercolour and Earth Paint on recycled half inch Boxed Canvas - Acrylic base. Portrait - 24” x 36”
Grateful to the The Syilx people, also known as the Okanagan, Okanogan or Okinagan people for allowing us to play, explore and create on this sacred land.
The highlighted text in bold and italic was sourced from a website: foliage friend