WHAT INSPIRES ME?

what does inspire me?

A few weeks ago, my husband and I  were driving through the North Carolina countryside. It was awesome! Around every bend in the road was a new vista, something "ohh-ahh" producing. The challenge was getting off the edge of the road to take photos. We drove in this green wonderland for hundreds of miles....inspiration falling like shamrock glitter.

Later in the day, pushing our luck riding on gas fumes, we pulled into one of those wonderful old fashion pump stations. You know the ones with the round topped pumps faded coffee colored screen and peeling white and red paint. 
Once the gas began gurgling in the empty belly of the tank, 

thank heavens, I had the sense to "LOOK  UP and AROUND" 

at my environment.

Across the dirt lane, waiting to be noticed.... 

If I hadn't taken a minute to look away from the pump I would have missed this bucolic scene.

(photos SOOC....)

The following oil painting isn't directly from the above photos, but was inspired by equally wonderful photographs shot during the day.

Peace Upon the Animals   16 x 20

The Fragrance of Lavender...16x20

This is a composite of many photos, and recalled memories. I consider this more imaginative than realistic, but was inspired by my surroundings.

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We visited a magnificent chateau in Geneva, Switzerland.  It is situated with a view overlooking Lake Geneva.  However I found the outdoor gardens at the rear of the chateau very interesting. This is a rear facing photograph.
It you look hard you will see gardeners working. The yellow building is a chapel.

Below is the painting that resulted from the inspiration of  Landscape ~ Atmosphere.

Swiss Chateau  16 x 20

When we shoot a photograph, it immediately takes us back to a place in time.

Creating a painting can do the same.

Then we begin again.

HEART THOUGHT: don't forget to LOOK around while doing the ordinary tasks in life.  You might miss something.  I nearly did.