Expanses of marsh. Wildflowers dancing in the sea breeze along the dunes. Rows of live oaks forming canopies, the deep hues of maritime forests, storm clouds gathering over the ocean.
Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets unfolding over rivers and the sea. Oodles of azaleas, camellias, oleanders and palms. Tangles of driftwood and endless stretches of marsh.
So many atmospheric scenes. Clear colors are their natural palette.
It is, arguably, a distinct landscape. Opposite the rugged terrain of the mountains, she seems to gently roll out before the eyes. Long ago, I heard someone remark, “There’s nothing prettier than a Carolina sunset.” For those of us who inhabit her, we wholeheartedly agree!
Before I begin to paint, something in the Lowcountry has grabbed my attention. Initially, it’s whatever the scene in front of me offers as a whole. And then my eyes go to something specific.
It may be the originating point of light in a sunrise, the cross-light of a marsh at sunset, or the shapes of clouds.
I’m also naturally curious about the tiniest details.
One of my favorite paintings I’ve done is quite petite in size, but its whimsical composition came through because I investigated the angles and shapes and remembered what I loved about the floral scene. In doing that, I was able to capture the lushness of the flowers—their weight hanging from the branches and their plump shapes just before opening into full bloom.
I even take note of the different shades of brown and green marking tight buds as they form along the branches.
The winding limbs of an ancient live oak, the changing colors of our marsh grass, and the way camellias sparkle in the chaos of gardens never cease to capture my attention. I’ll never tell how many nature photographs I have from walks and drives!
Living in the Lowcountry offers something magical each day.
Sometimes it’s the softness of the light as a wall of rain makes its way across a marsh. Or the tiniest flowers growing in a lawn that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
Nature offers the extraordinary in ordinary moments.
Standing in wonder of that feels like a gift every day. Presence is everything.
I hope that during your next walk, you too notice something wonderful that gives you pause—and thanks.