How Nature Inspires My Work

When time feels like it’s flying, or difficult moments become overwhelming, I try to take a step back and be present – finding beauty in the everyday. That can be easier said than done, but I find that if I can force myself to go for a walk, or even a drive on a sunny day, I am able to make space for peace and slow things down, even if just for a moment. I have been itching to travel again. It’s been a few years since my last adventure, and I am ready to explore new places, take a step away from the digital world, and find that peace and stillness that I have been longing for.

Many of my favorite memories include hiking trails that seemed to wind endlessly through forests, marveling at moss-covered logs, sun-dappled clearings, and the curiosity of wildlife hiding behind the trees. I revel in finding new landscapes to explore—each one a fresh source of inspiration. My love for natural elements has shaped the artist I have become.

Spending time outdoors brings me back to the present moment. The way a breeze carries the scent of pine trees or the rustle of leaves underfoot grounds me in a way that no screen or notification ever could. If you take a deep breath and really pay attention, it’s almost as though the world whispers, “Slow down. Look closer.” And so, I do. There’s the crisp smell of fresh air in the mountains, the soft hum of insects on a quiet summer evening, and the gentle roughness of bark beneath my fingertips. These sensations find their way into my art. Whether it’s the texture of a palette knife mimicking the jagged edges of a rocky trail or the soft gradients of color reflecting the way sunlight fades at dusk, I try to bring those sensory experiences to life on the canvas.

In a world that has become so digital, it’s easy to lose sight of the natural beauty around us. For me, being in nature is a way of going back to my roots—literally and figuratively. It reminds me that life is not just about rushing to the next task but about pausing to enjoy the here and now. This is a message I aim to convey in my work: the importance of being present, of appreciating the small, fleeting moments.

There’s something humbling about standing at the base of a towering redwood or looking out over a vast canyon that seems to stretch on forever. These moments remind me of how small I am in the grand scheme of things, but also how connected I am to something much bigger. They fuel my creativity and inspire me to share that wonder with others through my art. Every brushstroke I make is, in some way, a tribute to these experiences. My hope is that when someone looks at my work, they feel a little bit of that connection—to nature, to the present moment, and to themselves.

This post contains all personal photos from my honeymoon trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks in 2016, as well as images and details of original works from my 2023 Resurgence Collection.