Planting the seed

Tolkien-inspired art

Inspiration can be found in a myriad of places. In this blog I look at how the works of J.R.R. Tolkien provided me with inspiration at a time when it was most needed.

‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us’ J.R.R.Tolkien

The beginning of my tree painting journey

Tolkien was a great artist as well as an incredible storyteller. We have a beautiful hardback book entitled simply ‘Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien‘ my favourite of which is his painting of Lothlorien.

Whilst heavily pregnant with my eldest daughter, I painted this on her nursery wall!

Six years later and my love of painting (and trees!) was rekindled upon moving to Devon. This was a challenging time and I could so easily have curled up into a little ball. I had the school run to do and a beautiful little 18 month old to love and nurture, but I was also aware that if I didn’t find something for me – something to occupy my over-analytical mind, I could easily build a protective wall around myself that would slowly close in and make my world smaller.

I can’t remember which came first; the idea to paint trees with messages hidden in the branches or the words ‘Spread your wings and fly’. It was certainly one of those rare occasions where I had this ‘seed’ and actually planted it rather than leaving it to sit in the packet for months only to eventually forget it’s existence!

A new life. A new start. Time to try something new. Time to spread my wings.

I found a pretty notebook, made a sketch, bought a cheap canvas and a set of acrylic paints, dug out the old easel my great uncle made me many moons ago and off I went!

Looking back from where I stand now, I do believe that little seed was not of my own making. I feel truly blessed and am constantly thankful and often in awe of what it has brought to my life.

For more about where my need to paint emerged from, please read my blog Back to the Roots.