Nan Goodship’s Artist Blog

by | Jan 15, 2024 | news

The Intertwined Essence of Art and Nature:

A Journey Through Seasons

As the soft hues of dawn caress the Cowichan Valley, the world seems to awaken in a symphony of colors, each note a testament to the profound bond between art and nature. I am Nan Goodship, a painter and multimedia artist, and today I invite you on a journey through the seasons, exploring how this eternal partnership inspires and shapes my work.


Spring: A Rebirth in Color and Life

Spring in the Cowichan Valley is nothing short of a miracle, a time when nature shrugs off its winter slumber. The cherry blossoms unfurl in delicate pinks, the grass returns to its vibrant greens, and the skies adopt a softer, more hopeful blue. This season, with its promise of renewal and growth, deeply influences my art. I often find myself blending pastel shades, capturing the gentle awakening of life. My canvases become a playground for light pinks, fresh greens, and warm yellows, reflecting the rebirth occurring outside my studio window.

 

The mood of my spring collection is one of optimism, mirroring the blossoming world around me. The brush strokes are light and airy, suggesting the gentle sway of flowers in the breeze. The air itself seems to carry a floral scent, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of new beginnings. This is a time for experimenting with lighter, more ethereal textures, letting the canvas breathe and come alive with the season’s spirit.


Summer: Vibrant Warmth and Lushness

As spring gives way to summer, the landscape of Vancouver Island transforms yet again. The sun bathes the valley in a golden glow, intensifying colors and casting deep, dramatic shadows. My summer works are bold and vibrant, dominated by deep blues, rich greens, and the fiery oranges and reds of the summer sunsets. These pieces are a celebration of life at its peak, an homage to the lushness and abundance of nature.

 

The mood of summer in my art is one of joy and energy. The days are longer, allowing more time for reflection and creation. The warm air is heavy with the scent of salt and pine, setting a backdrop for my creative process. In summer, my works are alive with movement – the rustling leaves, the crashing waves, the dance of light on water. This season reminds us of nature’s grandeur, and its ability to evoke wonder and awe.


Autumn: Reflective Hues and Tranquil Moods

Autumn in the Cowichan Valley is a festival of colors – the leaves turn to shades of amber, rust, and gold, creating a tapestry that is both vibrant and soothing. My autumn collection is reflective and introspective, focusing on the tranquil beauty of this season. The color palette shifts to warmer, earthier tones – burnt oranges, deep yellows, and rich browns. These colors speak of the maturity and wisdom that come with the passing of time.

 

The mood in these autumnal pieces is serene and contemplative. There is a sense of nostalgia in the air, a gentle reminder of the impermanence of beauty and life. The textures in my autumn works are more layered, mimicking the fallen leaves and the thickening air. It’s a time to slow down, to appreciate the quiet majesty of nature as it prepares for the winter.


Winter: Subdued Tones and Introspection

Winter brings a stark beauty to the landscape. The once vibrant colors are now subdued, covered in a blanket of snow. My winter collection embraces this quietude, focusing on muted tones – soft grays, crisp whites, and deep blues. These colors reflect the stillness and introspection of the season. The mood is one of peace and calm, an invitation to look inward and find beauty in simplicity.

 

The atmosphere during winter in my studio is one of quiet contemplation. The cold air brings clarity, both to the mind and to the canvas. This season is about stripping back, focusing on the essentials, and finding beauty in the bare bones of nature. It’s a time for meditative art, for pieces that speak of solitude and introspection.


A Year-Round Dialogue with Nature

As an artist, my dialogue with nature is continuous, an endless conversation that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Each season brings its own mood, color scheme, and atmosphere, influencing my work in profound ways. This connection between art and nature is vital, reminding us of the beauty and diversity of the world we live in. It is my hope that through my art, I can share this wonder with others, inviting them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the incredible tapestry of life that surrounds us.

 

As the seasons change and time marches on, this beautiful dance between art and nature continues. It is a journey of discovery, of finding new ways to express the timeless beauty that nature bestows upon us. In this ever-changing world, may we always find solace and inspiration in the vibrant colors, moods, and atmospheres that each season brings.