Rewilding Through Art: A Journey into Nature

There’s a big difference between passing through a landscape and photographing one. There’s an even bigger difference between photographing and sitting with a landscape for two hours. The longer you stay in one place, the more you can observe. You begin to see color relationships (green is never just green) and watch plant heads and petals shift with the sun as the light changes on its arc across the sky.

For me, the more I engage all my senses in the landscape, the greater my connection to it.

Here are a few ways that painting helps you to slow down your mind to nature's rhythms.

Seeing Shapes Before Names

Instead of identifying oak trees, cirrus clouds, or clumps of rock, you start to see silhouettes of one organic form against another. You’ll zoom in on textures and patterns, noticing the micro details you miss if you’re just looking for landmarks.

Learning a Landscape’s Language

Everywhere has its unique climate, species of trees, plants, and vistas, but there’s more to the hidden landscape than meets the eye at first. Observe how the wind has bent and twisted the trees across a valley floor. Different shades of green in low hedgerows and high verdant pine trees tell a story. Seasonal color shifts are everywhere, not just the golden reds of autumn. As the sun warms and strengthens, even the grass hues shift to take advantage of the growing season.

Local plants emerge at different times of the year. A walk in early May could be surrounded by delicate bluebells, but a month later, the wildflowers will have taken over. Even the morning chorus of birds, though predictable, changes in intensity and frequency with the seasons.

Plein Air Painting as a Rewilding Practice

So, how do you put rewilding into practice?

Find a Sit Spot

The key starts with observation. Just like any good nature observer or bird watcher, you should start by finding a comfortable location that has something special about it.

• Return to the same location repeatedly.

• Visit at different times of day and in different weather conditions.

• Watch seasonal changes.

• Start drawing simple outlines of the shapes and features around you.

  
  

Sketch Before You Paint

Before you start thinking about accuracy or composition, just begin sketching with a loose, free hand. You’re aiming for quick marks: big shapes, values, and movement. You can even sketch with words or do some art journaling, documenting your first impressions of what you see around you.

Accept Imperfection

Nature is constantly changing. The goal of painting or drawing outdoors is not perfect landscape paintings but for pure enjoyment and deeper observation.

What Painting Outdoors Can Give You

Painting outdoors, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, is beneficial. Getting in touch with nature directly will do so much more than just hone your technical and observational skills as an artist. You’ll also gain:

• Greater awareness of seasons.

• Better understanding of local wildlife.

• Reduced mental noise.

• Stronger attachment to place.

• More meaningful travel experiences.

  
  

You Don’t Need To Be An Artist

You don’t need expensive materials, formal training, or to walk away with finished paintings. You can start with a pencil, a notebook, and ten minutes.

The goal is noticing.

Not producing.

Creative rewilding doesn’t always begin in vast forests or remote wilderness. Sometimes it starts by sitting quietly under a tree with a sketchbook, paying attention long enough for a place to stop feeling like scenery and start feeling like a relationship.

The Benefits of Rewilding Your Mind

Rewilding your mind through art can lead to profound changes in how you perceive the world. It encourages mindfulness and presence. When you take the time to paint, you immerse yourself in the moment. This practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to connect more deeply with your surroundings.

Embracing Nature's Beauty

Nature is full of beauty waiting to be discovered. By painting outdoors, you learn to appreciate the subtle changes in light, color, and texture. This appreciation can enhance your overall well-being and inspire creativity in other areas of your life.

Building a Community

Engaging in outdoor painting can also lead to connections with like-minded individuals. Joining local art groups or workshops can foster a sense of community. Sharing experiences and learning from others can enrich your artistic journey.

A Path to Personal Growth

Rewilding through painting is not just about art; it's a path to personal growth. It challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. This journey can lead to increased confidence and a greater sense of purpose.

In conclusion, painting outdoors is a powerful tool for rewilding your attention and reconnecting with nature. It encourages you to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around you. So grab your sketchbook, find a quiet spot, and start your journey into the beauty of the natural world.