Wandering the quiet wooded park I wondered how many around the world are welcoming the sun. Observing day’s early light in nature, you see the hint of beginnings in its whisper. As a nature artist, rather than illustrate, the goal is to feel its breath of life.

A title of creative interpreter suggests directing your experience, which is a little misleading.

On a grassy knoll in the park a woman practiced tai chi with the motion of a master. Her fluid movements danced, limbs enveloping energy, poetically dispersing it back. I pondered our similarities, absorbing energy, offering it back to the world.

Continuing my wander as the forest awakened in birdsong, morning held possibility and promise. “Let the mystery in.” C. Bucaro~

~News: New work available for purchase. Email dawn@dawnbanning.com

Morning Horizon 12 x36 oil on canvas( shown above , two photos, different light)

Autumn Park 20×24 oil on canvas ( shown above, two photos, different light)

One of the biggest myths states art process is very linear, suggesting the act of art, is simply: Application of natural talent & observation.

In other words, we simply create what we see.

Basing artistic ability on genetics and visual capability is, well, a bit of  baloney.

Science states natural genius is rare. In fact, the act of creating is evolved proficiency. Similar to an athlete, artists practice dexterity and coordination. Observation skills grow with cognitive training. These skills develop over time. We become familiar with our tools and mediums, learning their limits while pushing our own.

Emotional connection fuels inspiration’s spark and choice of subject matter.

The source of connection may surprise you. It may be a strong desire to communicate world issues, or a love of turtles. While there is a lifetime of study in a single woodland violet, those driven by actual technique will paint any subject “I love to push paint.” Others state, “I am most connected to the north shore and paint only this region.”

Influences can change an artist’s style dramatically. Tom Thomson’s work blossomed to iconic brilliance when he met and began painting with mentors in the Group of Seven.

Each artist is unique how they process information and what motivates them. How their personal history & environment influence their work can vary enormously.It’s fascinating to hear these stories of inspiration and challenge, of struggle and growth, woven with mysterious thread of what keeps them on course.

That’s the gift, the rich diverse beauty of those who walk the path of a life in art.

~

Shown above: New “Blue Skies” 18×24 oil on birch board and Sunrise in progress – 12 x36 oil on canvas. All work is available for purchase – email dawn@dawnbanning.com

Note: Growth can occur assisting others to connect with their personal creative spark. I am offering private lessons for the first time! Beginners landscape painting will give you a foundation to venture in either direction of realism or impressionism. Hosted in my private studio, in choice of acrylic or oil. Email me for details. dawn@dawnbanning.com

It had all the drama of a summer storm. Clouds quickly accumulated encompassing the sky in darkness. Purple shadows inked across the landscape. Wind bent trees soon felt the pelt of rain on their willowy branches.

Julia Hargreaves – boreal expedition

In midst of the brewing storm, her brush didn’t loose rhythm. She remained on her granite perch overlooking the fresh water lake. A watercolour kit nested nearby. The artist sat composed, engrossed, head bent to task, tilley hat securely at a signature tilt. Rain drifted while mist closed in. A moment I wished never to forget and desperate to capture. In fear of breaking the spell, I didn’t even lift my camera.

Julia Hargreaves was in the flow.

Thoughts drifted to another friend, who met challenge in the face of a storm. He loped by with 2k left in the 21.1 k run, after a grueling hilly 90k bike and chilly 1.9 k swim. Unrelenting rain drenched both the triathletes and road ahead. We watched him secure the lead, his face, a pale glazed mask. His ghostly pallor, the only sign he had been fighting a horrible cold for a week.His floating stride never faltered. Undaunted, former pro triathlete Richard Pady was in the zone.

A “decades- old secret to happiness” Mark Remy of Time Magazine* states flow is achievable to anyone, during a task that’s both challenging and enjoyable. Weather you are painting in the wilderness, having the run of your life, or mastering spreadsheets, flow is possible.

Imagine, in a state of flow, humans can learn up to 500% faster. Well, hang onto your hat, because scientists say it’s possible.

Remy says flow state is rare, not brought on by will. Elite athletes may have true ‘flow’ 10% of the time in their career. Remy writes “the catch is patience”.

In Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s popular book “Finding Flow” lessons are toted as ‘life altering’. This Amazon review interesting and in my opinion, truthful, “ the absolute key, is to let go of any thoughts you have that work is oppressive and something to be escaped from.”

Mihaly relays a critical factor in his Ted Talk. He says such states of ‘ecstasy’ only happen to someone who is “well trained and has developed technique”.

In other words, just because you strummed a few chords on your Uncle’s guitar in junior high, doesn’t mean 30 years later, equip with ‘ flow techniques’ you can bang out Stairway to Heaven effortlessly.

Flow may not be available on demand, but you can clear the path and establish consistent routine for its possibility. As Remy says, have patience.

I view flow as both an energy state and state of mind. Think Yoda and the Force.

Here are a few of my routine practices to welcome flow:

• Energy is dependent on health: maintain a healthy lifestyle of fitness, quality sleep and a clean diet.
• Practice mindfulness/ meditation
• Practice mindful deep breathing. Click here for example.
• Have supplies available, boards prepped, and an uncluttered studio: this creates fertile ground for flow to take root.
• To achieve the state of “intense concentration’ remove elements of distraction. Yes, the phone. It also means addressing nagging tasks beforehand, with a clear agenda to your goal. Be ‘all in’.
• Remember “Energy flows where attention goes.”
• Some artists channel focused thought by eliminating daily decisions, saving important decisions to their creative task.

~For example, the same clothes, same food, same routine, every day. It’s amazing how free the mind becomes when daily easy, thou energy draining decisions are eliminated. Market shopping becomes a breeze with this method. If you work in the corporate world, you may want to rethink the same clothes every day, by deciding a week’s clothing in advance.

• The logbook. I keep a fitness training log, with sleep & nutrition factored in.

~ Success is easier to target when you can identify patterns leading to that success. Art is similar. Why was that painting session more successful than others? Everything from what you did to prep for the session, snacks you ate, rest & fitness beforehand, to the music you played factor in.

Note: in both art & sport, every so often, shake things up to break feeling stagnant. Use a different size brush, or get in there with your hands.

• Experts say we perform best with intrinsic motivation, meaning internal rather than external rewards. (ex: Feeling you are making a difference rather than motivated by a pile of money.)
• Have a deep sense of purpose and believe your contribution matters. When a janitor was asked at NASA what his occupation was by President John F. Kennedy during a tour, he replied “I am helping to put a man on the moon!”

Clear the path for flow, approach work with heartfelt purpose and you may feel the force rise within. Your name doesn’t even have to be Luke.

~ All new work is available for purchase, email me at dawn@dawnbanning.com for details. I would love to hear your methods for achieving flow, response to the blogs, or what you do to achieve flow. Keep in touch, thanks so much for your feedback!

*Time Magazine’ Mindfulness; issue Special Edition 2017- see full article for details

One of the most sought characteristics across diverse professions is adaptability. It’s one key for success in business & innovation. It’s an essential in survivor training.

Creatively adapting tools, methods, concepts and problem solving can become an efficient process. Experts say those who thrive, spend less energy and precious time debating lost effort, instead they quickly move forward focusing on new solutions.

Handy in relationships, changing occupation or locations, adaptability has a place in the arts, too.

“I am trying impressionist painting, but cannot break free of the detail work I am used to”, a medical illustrator asked. Did she wear reading glasses? I asked. “Yes”, she said. I promptly suggested she remove them while painting. “You won’t focus on detail if you cannot see it.” I said.

Another artist wanted solutions for her ‘tight wrist’ issues, desiring elongated brushstrokes. I suggested she wear cumbersome mitts while painting.

Creative techniques & tool possibilities are endless. Why wouldn’t a kitchen spatula be awesome for applying paint? Having an open mind for exploration avoids limitation.

A bronze sculptor may switch to watercolour because the physical demands are too great, not because of lack of stimuli. I see this often in fine arts. The general public may be led to believe the artist becomes bored within their genre, but it’s often not the case. The reason may be health, material access related, or lack of demand in their genre.

Being honest about self- motivation is an asset to professional happiness.

Her amazing educator inspired her to be a teacher, only to discover, she disliked teaching. Eventually, she went back to school to be a doctor. “I was focused on who, not what, inspired me. I am late in life starting my medical practice, but I couldn’t be happier.” She said.

Curiosity sparks motivation to explore ideas without being shackled by fear of failure.

“Always great to dabble outside of the comfort zone a bit. I broke a string on my Martin (guitar) and haven’t bothered replacing it for the past month because it’s been fun to try and work around it.” my nephew reported.

We observe, problem solve, communicate, perceive, and explore under the influence of creative thought.

Adapting to change in life eases stress, inspires growth, and new vision.

Leaving an art career returning to a 9-5’er may be seen as failure. The pressure of working art full time can change how a creator feels about art. It may no longer be fun or rewarding becoming enormously stressful. In truth, instead of failure, one discovers contentment in this decision.

Our culture demands pursue passions at all cost. Knock relentlessly at the closed door until it opens.

Pounding bleeding fists focused on the closed door before us, we are blind to the open one behind us, or the one down the hall worth exploring.

Life is very fluid, when we adapt to change it will feel flowing like a river, rather than swimming against the current.

“So shall we come to look at the world with new eyes”. Ralph Waldo Emerson

~

Note: Training with the Search & Rescue unit was extensive & diverse. During one large- scale mock disaster, our team was divided & paired with other departments. My ‘new’ team included members of the coast guard, armed forces & police.

My skills were applied to shoring passages in a caved in cellar, site recon and rescue, using many materials found onsite.

Among the many lessons in the exercise was learning teamwork with unfamiliar people with varying protocol.

Rescue unit follow up concluded with our Captain’s address.

“When disaster happens, chances are you won’t see one another. You may be commuting to work, or asleep in your beds. You may not have access to the ‘house’ (our Unit’s base). You will have to be leaders in your own neighborhoods. You will have to adapt. Your community will be counting on you.”

~

All new work is available for purchase, please email me for details dawn@dawnbanning.com

“Bright Sun” 5ft x3ft – viewed best in warm light.

“Roses” 14×18 – a FIRST for me! :0)

“I just want to give him a hug, “the young woman expressed to her companion, while gazing at Van Gogh’s” Starry Night over the Rhone at Arles.” at the AGO.

 “A life of utter anguish. It’s all so very sad. ” she said.

“She is focused on life outside the art, not the life within it,” I thought, as I pondered the same painting.

I saw a life connected to something powerfully great. Bold brushstrokes shimmering unburdened with motion and love. It’s a painting filled with remarkable hope. Resilience, framed not in denial of shadows, but focused on light.

The early landscape impressionists were brilliant at grasping and reflecting humanity’s deep connection to nature. The work of Harris, Thomson, Monet, Carr, eliminates noise and tunes into nature spirit that beckons and unites us all.

They painted during times of illness and grief. Monet painted the famous Water-lily series during a ravaging war. He remained driven to capture fleeting moments of light in his garden, amid, volunteering to help injured soldiers down the road. A man in his 80’s with failing eyesight and a war literally on his doorstep? Who are those ‘fleeting moments in light’ intended for I wonder?

Monet “speculated his paintings might calm strained nerves and offer “an Asylum of peaceful meditation.” (Ross King: Mad Enchantment)

That’s what masterful art does, it illuminates what can be for the viewer. It beckons one to stand at the open door of your own story. To wander boldly in, stay true to your path, celebrate life’s vibrant colour, weather storms and climb mountains. To be brave, seek and share the light.

~

Van Gogh, unaccepted by his peers was ridiculed by art critics. He sold only one painting in his lifetime. Talk about anguish, and yet, his resilience in art, with intent of purpose, shines over a century later.

“Theo I am so happy with my paintbox”.

In 1888, ( the year Starry Night over the Rhone at Arles was painted) Van Gogh wrote a personal letter in which he described “a great starlit vault of heaven…one can only call God.”

“People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it’s simply necessary to love. ”– Claude Monet

~

It’s the time of year I tally inventory and see what needs attention. It’s a flurry of activity!  Paintings are lovingly lined up waiting to begin their journey with you. :0)

Most new work are painted entirely with sponges, seen below.

Studio showing sizes & new work ( new small paintings on table at back)

Below: both 8×10 oil on canvas – yet to be titled.

Email to purchase or for details. dawn@dawnbanning.com

A scene in the sitcom “Friends” involves the actor character Joey, speaking about why he cries easily. “I am an Artist. My feelings are always close to the surface.”

Thou the scene is delivered in humour, his character has a point.

Most Artists are sensitive & empathetic.

Therefore, I wasn’t surprised to hear,

“How to paint with peace when the world may feel anything but?”

Short answer: Recognizing it’s even more important to do so motivates the brush.

Reflecting peace despite circumstance is powerful.

Artists, in their connectedness can choose to be a conduit.

Whatever your medium or field of work, leaving a legacy that emulates joy, motivates and reflects peace inspires humanity.

In endurance sport, grit complements training, it doesn’t replace it.

The more we ‘train’, consciously infusing peace daily, our ability to adapt in times of stress increases. Like a muscle, we build our internal ‘peace’ bank.

Simple ways to increase daily peace:

• What can you do to help the situation? Gain knowledge & problem solve? Be of service? offer expertise? contribute? Acting in loving kindness, inspiring people, creating beauty for the world has a ripple effect.
• Discover nature daily. Engaging in Nature improves health & peace of mind. Awaken all your senses, what do you smell, hear, see, feel?
• Have a ‘time out’ from News & electronics. “Connected” 24/7 can be emotionally overwhelming, hard on eyesight & breathing. Heads tipped in continuous ‘i-posture’ cuts off a portion of our air supply.
• Adapt healthy posture & nutrition. Exercise. Practice daily mindfulness, meditation, & deep breathing.
• Create a gratitude list. Write an additional item thru the day, morning, noon, and evening.
• Listen to peaceful music, or watch an inspiring film.“The Canoe” has both. This captivating film (click here https://vimeo.com/199089861 ) by Goh Iromoto beautifully expresses connection to nature thru paddling in a collection of stories. “The Explorers” features Joanie & Gary McGuffin,

I spent a month paddling with the McGuffin’s on expedition in the boreal forest.

Goh captures their passionate sincerity for engaging in and protecting wilderness. Artists in their own right, they wholeheartedly contribute to the health and peacefulness of our planet.

Recognizing peace as a choice is freeing. This act can ignite hope & illuminate possibility. May peace be with you.

~~

Joanie to Dawn in the boreal forest, ”Do you notice when it’s overcast, the lichen glows with light? It’s the only time the lichen shines that special glow.”

 lichen on gray day in boreal~ plein air.

It was an absolute thrill to reunite with the McGuffin ladies this spring, a family that continues to inspire & remain close to my heart.

Joanie & Sila McGuffin.

New Work!

I am excited to share this new work, expressing continuously developing style and colour palette. The new tiny 6×6 inch canvas’s are meant to evoke light, pattern  of landscape infused with light. Email me for purchase/ collection details on all  work. dawn@dawnbanning.com

“It isn’t common public knowledge the innovative Boeing ringlets were first inspired by a sculpture,” an engineer said over dinner last night.

The design has significant environmental appeal for fuel reduction. It can be applied to several platforms saving aviation companies millions.

I wonder if Boeing headquarters has since introduced a sculpture gallery?

We can encourage people to be innovative thinkers with learning & working environments reflecting this vision.

Interactive creative spaces merging art, science, nature, engineering, and technology are fertile ground for multi solution problem solving.

“To innovate, scientists and engineers find inspiration in the arts” by Reena Jana reads:In a workshop on creating compelling data visualizations, the New York Times‘ artist-in-residence, Jer Thorp, encouraged attendees to simply “hire an artist if you have a novel problem.” That’s because “Artists are trained to face novel problems,” Thorp said. And then he added, “Software engineers are not.” And to formalize the current wave of such cross-disciplinary innovation, the organizers of PopTech unveiled a new fellowship in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation that would mix artists with businesspeople, scientists, and social innovators to “facilitate unconventional collaboration,”

Supporting the arts isn’t a one-sided or charitable act. Beyond esthetics, art can improve lives, spark innovation, speed healing, improve concentration, higher levels of social tolerance, induce calm and increase productivity.

Forbes reviews a compelling study on the impact of art in the workplace, stating, The notion that art in the workplace is merely decorative was dispelled in a survey of more than 800 employees working for 32 companies throughout the U.S. that have workplace art collections. The survey, a collaboration of the Business Committee for the Arts and the International Association for Professional Art Advisors drew responses from firms ranging from food distributors to law firms that house workplace collections. It found that art in the workplace helps businesses address key challenges such as reducing stress (78% agree), increasing creativity (64% agreed) and encouraging expression of opinions (77% agreed).

A physiotherapist after recently displaying original work said, “My focus is better, and the patients are relaxed. A calm patient means they more receptive to treatment, and quicker healing. It isn’t just beautiful, it makes good business & practice sense.”

A corporate exec shares thoughts of increased collaboration and company unity. “The work energizes us and gives our company a sense of pride when clients feel this way too.”

Jamie Livingstone of ArtIQ writes: Art impacts the bottom line, engages staff and represents company values.

Let’s deliver art support out of the gala shadows to public spaces, offices, tech centers, sanctuaries, schools, hospitals and homes.

Infusing art in our daily lives can inspire creative innovation, healthy social and productive work environments, concrete problem solving, and the wonder of possibility.

~

For further reading, click highlighted links in post. Also, 10 useful ways art can change your life – click here.

“How do you know when a song is complete?” a fan asked renowned phenomenal guitarist Maneli Jamal.

“Well,” he responded thoughtfully, “They often continue to evolve. At some point I stop and release it. Right Dawn? It must be this way with painting?

Think of this aspect of creative process as developing a garden bed over time, switching plants out, adding new, changing colour, and texture, adjusting for the seasons. It’s a wonderful process of adding, subtracting, expanding, based on experience & growth.

Maneli’s musical stories are based on his extraordinary life experiences. During performances he offers listeners insight how he communicates these stories in his work, enhancing their experience. His unique ability to articulate may be attributed to his deep emotional connection to his craft, and confidence sharing it in raw truthful form with the world.

His music feels both deeply private, and universally connected.

We spoke about the evolution of creativity when he visited the studio last year, discussing similarities in process, and importance of emotional connection in our work.

Viewers often believe a painting is complete in the artists mind, it’s just a matter of ‘getting it out’ one reader suggested. In truth, the painting begins as a deeply emotional experience. The emotional content is then explored in light, colour, contrast, composition later in the studio. A painting is built, grown and matured rather than “popping out of one’s head”.

Readers wonder if painting ideas emerge when I am active outdoors, on my bike or running. It’s a little like asking if one makes their grocery list while meditating.

Sport frees my mind from clutter, allowing me to immerse in the landscape. Physical engagement deepens emotional connection in nature.

Think if it as fertile ground for the garden to grow.

~

Note:

Despite being a star of his magnitude, Maneli is deeply humble and thoughtfully soft spoken. He is gracious in every way, with maturity beyond his years. If you have the opportunity to experience his live performances, you cannot help but be completely transformed. His music resonates, lighting a place deep within the soul.

Maneli’s Website ( with Tour schedule & videos) http://manelijamal.com

Maneli is performing in Toronto this weekend at Jazz Festival. https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/the-best-toronto-jazz-festival-concerts-for-2017/

Superpowers.

(Click on highlighted text for further reading.)

The new blockbuster “Wonder Woman” features incredible images of superhuman abilities.

Creativity, in reality, is one of our amazing superpowers.

Science is proving brains function at a higher level under the influence of art, for both non- creative & creative folk. (Read about benefits of the arts here and here.)

It’s such cool stuff, yet why is fine art considered a luxury item, when science is proving it fuels human development and health?

It’s common knowledge the arts offer emotional connection and new perspectives. In fact, the benefits go well beyond these initial findings.

Creativity itself is woven into nearly every aspect of human existence.

I spoke about the interweaving theory in my presentation “Creativity is our Superpower” at a local school.

“Think of art as cross training,” I said.

Creative tasks can improve math ability, academia function and communication skills. Observational and visualization skills are necessary in sports, communication, science, crime investigation, entertainment fields, and medicine. Technology, innovation, architecture, conservation require artistic influence. Creative vision is found in all design, from running shoes, cars or green energy.

Skills taught in art class are highly transferable. MacGyver likely excelled in art class.

When Peter Mansbridge Wayne Gretzky his views on modern hockey, creativity was the forefront of his response. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kW5K08wdvI

“We have lost playing on the pond…using your creativity and using your imagination…It’s become more robotic.”

He makes a worthy point. Creative play & imagination are important for development.

Encouraging creativity in children, infusing their environment with art, we equip them with tools for a better life and better world. Independent creative play allows exploration, adaptability and valuable cognitive function.

Adults, beef up your creative muscle, you boost your brain & well being.

Recognizing the value of the arts we reap benefits from the diverse wealth they offer. Erase barriers that keep us from living a connected creative life.

Embrace the wonders of art and unleash our superpower.

~

Seeking ways to improve your creativity? Check out my Free Ebook online.

~

All new work is in various stages of progress, the studio is a beehive of activity!

Anchor Coffee House Walkerville location in Windsor, ON is due to open this week! Enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee, or lemonade with homemade baked goods. You may select a seat with a forest view. :0) “Forest” on display and avail for purchase.

“Sunset Pine” 14 x18 oil on canvas  825$ CAD

“Sunlit Forest” 9×12 oil on canvas 480$

“Pine” 24×36 oil on canvas ( sky is lighter as of this week). 2170$