Early Autumn

“Study of early autumn foliage” oil on canvas, 12” x 16” by Hilary J. England

It’s been a busy few days, and I like that. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I was able to get a study in of some of the early fall foliage we are now experiencing. This is my favorite time of year — the colors never fail to disappoint!  I’m hoping to get more plein air painting done this week, before we lose our fall foliage.  The leaves turn so rapidly, and the romance is over in the blink of an eye...I definitely need to capture the romantic art of the autumn.

I saw the little bird in the thicket — so brown and understated, next to the green and now the reds and yellows of the season — and I thought, “This wonderful little bird, so humble — needed to be included.” So I did! That’s the great thing about painting your own world and your heart — you can include what you like, and throw away the rest.  Art is wonderful like that!

The Whys of My Art

Featured: “Between the Storms” by Hilary J. England

My inspiration for certain paintings

Often times, people want to know what is my inspiration for my artwork — is it preplanned, is it spontaneous, is it a feeling or a thought, or is it another artist from a bygone era? Actually, there are elements of all of the above! 

Many times, my mind will begin to focus on a group of thoughts and feelings that are related, and this will translate into an overarching idea for a group of paintings.  For me, most of everything, both visually and with my art — relates to the natural environment around me.  I constantly seek beauty in the visual, even in ugly subject matter or circumstances — because to me, above all, beauty is paramount. The world is both beautiful and terrible sometimes, but we can surmount all things if we focus on the beautiful.

Landscape paintings by famous artists

So many landscape painters that came before me — inspired me.  Of course, my personal favorite, my muse of sorts, was Vincent Van Gogh.  His paintings and how his emotionality translated into his landscapes, is the apex of artistic expression for me — I connect with his vision of this universe.  He is a kindred spirit on many artistic levels.  His painting, Starry Night, which can be viewed here  was always such a visceral look into his heart and mind.  He was both complex and yet, simple in his thoughts and vision for his art.  I adored that about him and his work.

As for me...

I strive to have the emotionality of my work connect with viewers as well.  I think in this world, as chaotic and overwhelming as it can be sometimes, we all need a restful place to regain our strength and optimism.  I look to create that with my artwork — a romantic artwork, a peaceful painting, a landscape of beauty and serenity — all of these are emotions I strive to communicate into my landscape art and still life paintings.