Behind the Scenes with Susan Abell

Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The last light of day is always worth noting in any season. Winter in particular can offer some spectacular displays of color. Personally, I find the light rather magical at this time of year.

The scene that inspired this work is a nearby pasture.  On an early winter evening, the pink skies spanning across the pasture were contrasted by a golden ray of light.  Those skies seemed endless over a golden-brown expanse. 

A peaceful setting in the midst of winter is a definitely a hopeful sign.

The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration.      Claude Monet   

Ever wonder if you are on the right path?  Is this the way to go?

If you are like most folks, at one time or another in your life you've had that very question.

Difficult decisions to consider?

Maybe your own backyard provides the respite you seek or even a golf course when you also need the break being outside offers.

Whatever it is you may be contemplating, you likely have your own go-to place, unique to you to work through your thoughts.

Back on the path.....the painting featured is a really metaphor for the uncertainties in life.

All were inspired by the pathways throughout a favorite place of mine, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.  Not only does this environment provide countless natural inspiration, but somehow after a long walk my creative insight is clearer.

A number of paintings of mine have been directly influenced by the unique filtered light through the trees in the garden.  Capturing the glow of the sunlight between the branches is both fun and challenging.  Just walking along the varied paths is energizing and inspirational.  In the spring of the year, color is everywhere.

After a visit to the State Botanical Garden, refreshed and renewed, I usually can't wait to get back to painting!   Hope your place offers the same kind of inspiration for you.

Thanks for reading!

“Cat: Where are you going?
Alice: Which way should I go?
Cat: That depends on where you are going.
Alice: I don’t know.
Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Do you ever feel like Alice? A little directionless…like a ship without a rudder? I would venture to say we have all felt uncertain at one time or another in our life journeys, especially if we are endeavoring to "branch out" in some way.

For many of us creative types, the uncertainty as to which step to take next is a large part of an entrepreneur's everyday life.  Why like Alice, I have felt perplexed on occasion several times a day....and that is only before noon!

Quite honestly, it does take a lot of fortitude and determination to forge ahead on a given path even when there isn't much guarantee of success. But if you are like me that just fuels you to not give up. Remaining positive and keeping the faith in the midst of challenges is key.

As we near the end of another month in a new year, it might be easy for some to harbor regrets with regards to those unfilled New Year's goals or dreams. Take heart, the year is still young and you can always "begin again" as many solo entrepreneurs, like myself, do every day. Besides,there are many ways to be successful and every step toward a goal is something to be celebrated.

Recently, I began a new painting series with a journey theme in mind. The inspiration behind this collection might seem a bit mundane at first. As my husband and I were traveling down the interstate on a rather seemingly gray day, I was struck by the clouds moving ahead. The usual storm clouds were in the foreground, but every so often a glimpse of the sun would peek through, clearly a hopeful sign.

Sounds a lot like life's ups and downs, doesn't it? While observing the clouds and snapping pictures of the scenes, I was reminded of the reason for the trip. My mother-in-law had passed away a few months earlier. We were journeying once again to her home to work on the clearing out process along with other family members.

Observing the clouds reminded me of her and her constant positive, faith-based outlook throughout her life, despite health difficulties and personal tragedy that clouded her life. Her lasting impact is monumental as she stayed true to her purpose in throughout life's journey.

After reviewing my photos of the day, I knew I wanted to paint a series based on this uplifting journey and message.  I can just imagine her  saying quite emphatically, "Journey On!" 

Thanks for reading!