The last few posts have included a variety of technical insights, details on how I paint. This post I wanted to say something about why.

The simplest possible answer is that it is quite fun. It combines spending time in nature with the intense mental challenge of solving a complex puzzle with layers of tactical and strategic decisions. And the output is a preserved object you can look back at with the satisfaction of creation. I’ve been hooked ever since the first time I had the sensation, as a kid, of having a drawing turn out better than I knew I was capable of.

That answers for the most part why I paint. But why landscapes and animals?

Again, the answer is pretty simple: I appreciate being here, and appreciate there being a “here” at all. Science has given us incredible answers on how the universe works, but the question of why there is a universe at all to begin with remains stubbornly unanswered. I’m not religious, and I’m ok with that being a question we simply don’t have an answer to. But whatever this is, and why-ever it is, it’s here. And we are – for the moment anyhow – here and conscious of it. Somehow, briefly, we get to have a look around. Painting landscapes helps me stay grounded to that very cool reality.

These paintings will get added to the pile to be touched up in the studio. June and July are always productive, filling the studio with plenty of works in progress for finishing through the coming months. For now though, I’m just enjoying getting outside and painting as much as I can.

Thanks for reading!