Embracing the Season of Planning and Creativity

by Lee M Buchanan – Watercolor Artist " From the studio"

As the vibrant colors of autumn slowly give way to the crisp whispers of winter, I find myself in one of my most cherished stages of my artistic journey. The cycle of nature mirrors the cycle of creativity, and just as nature prepares for renewal, this is my time for introspection, planning, and preparation for the paintings that will come to life in the months ahead.

Reflecting on a Season of Sketches

Throughout spring, summer, and fall, I have maintained my trusted sketchbook as a constant companion. It's brimming with quick pencil gestures, detailed ink studies, and washes of watercolor pencil laid down during hikes, picnics, and day trips to the coast.

Each sketch is a fleeting moment captured—an ethereal flower unfurling in the morning sun, children playing in ocean waves, and amber leaves cascading down quiet lanes. I also use a camera to capture what I'm going to sketch as it gives me clear details I need back in the studio when I start my more detailed sketching.

Now, as the days grow shorter and the light fades earlier, I immerse myself in these sketches, letting them whisper their potential stories. I spread them across my studio, pairing and grouping them, imagining the larger compositions they might become. Each page is a seed of potential, and I anticipate the magic that will unfold as they transform from pencil marks to vibrant watercolor canvases. This annual ritual isn't just about planning; it's about reconnecting with the essence of each season's experiences and translating them into vivid works of art.

Inventory and Inspiration

Conducting an inventory of my art supplies is a deeply satisfying process. I meticulously check my collection of paints, ensuring I have ample supplies and making note of any colors that need replenishment. This is also my opportunity to explore new colors offerings that might inspire a fresh direction in my work—a soft jade green to capture winter's evergreen, or a vibrant sunset orange for a summer memory in need of warmth. This is also the time I start my list of colors I will need for the new painting to come and add them to my growing list of watercolor paints.

Next, I assess the condition of my brushes: flat heads for broad strokes, fine-tipped for intricate details, and my beloved Fan brushes. I also use a squirrel - hair flat brush for voluptuous washes. Ensuring each is in peak condition, or replacing them if needed, ensures no interruption in the creative flow. I also review my stacks of watercolor paper, their different textures offering diverse possibilities. I use mostly Arches Hot-pressed for crisp lines, Arches cold-pressed for flexibility, and rough for expressive landscapes in 300 lb—all ready to serve different creative moods.

My ink and watercolor pencils are neatly arranged, each holding the promise of adding depth and dimension to my pieces. Requests and commissions from family, friends, and collectors add another layer of preparation to this season. I treasure these collaborations, providing an opportunity to weave their narratives with my artistic vision, creating deeply personal artworks.

Preparing My Studio and Mind

Preparing my studio is not just a necessity, but a ritual that sets the stage for creativity. I clear away clutter and organize my workspace to ensure that all my tools are within easy reach. My easel finds its home beside the large window, where natural light floods in during the soft morning hours, allowing me the clarity needed for delicate color blending.

The walls are adorned with inspiration boards—a mosaic of color swatches, torn magazine pages, and reference photos collected over the last year. This visual tapestry becomes a dynamic backdrop for my creative process, sparking ideas and keeping my imagination alive during the longest winter nights.

Inwardly, I prepare my mind for the meditative practice of painting. The quiet of winter envelops me, and I find solace in the steady rhythm of brushstrokes, the dance of colors blending and merging on paper. Each painting becomes a conduit for reflection, expression, and exploration as I translate the year's experiences into visual stories.

Winter, with its quiet beauty and slower pace, offers the perfect backdrop for this deep dive into creativity. There's a unique magic in watching the world outside my window transform into a snow-kissed landscape while inside, vibrant pigments come to life, bringing warmth and vitality to cold days.

This is a season of both dreaming and doing, and each stroke of the brush is an homage to the year past and the promises of the new year.

By embracing this season of planning, I uncover a profound appreciation for the rhythms of nature and creativity, drawing endless inspiration from the simplest sketches to the grandest compositions. As I prepare for the transformation of these sketches into paintings, I eagerly anticipate sharing this journey with you. Here's to an inspiring and colorful winter ahead!