Competing With Nature?
Yesterday I went swimming in Reed Lake in Lake County, Michigan. It was a hot day, but we were the only family at this secluded spot. The water was incredibly clear. You could see all the way to the bottom, even in the darkest depths of the lake.
The sun glinted on the surface of the lake. The reflections were incredible. It is well known among artists that creating a reflection can be quite complex, but I wondered if any of us ever had in mind the incredible spectacle I seen. The water was picking up the color of the sand, and as the sandy gold color reflected upon the surface of the water, the sun added its own touch, turning the gleaming water into what appeared to be myriad pools of gold.
I suddenly felt overwhelmed, as I often do when faced with Nature’s palette. How could anybody recreate this on canvas, and would they want to? Nature could conquer any painting I created hands down. It occured to me to take a photograph. But then, I would only be given one still of this swirling miracle.
So when faced with this overwhelming beauty, shouldn’t I just throw in the towel? Then I realized, that despite Nature’s perfection; my interpretation is what matters. Someone could look at my painting and say, “I understand what she was feeling and seeing”.
Art is expressive, and Nature is fleeting. As artists, we can still create something that somebody can hang on a wall and admire for a long time. I can still take a slice of Nature’s miracle, no matter how imperfect my creation; I can still and present it to you so you understand me.
Tags: competing, nature, painting, reflections