The nature in art

What beautiful weather we have been having over the past couple weeks!  Spring is here and everywhere you look, nature’s beauty and indeed architecture is exemplified.  

The scales on the buds of red maples are swelling brilliant red, vernal pools are brimming with activity, animals that have been scarce for the past couple months are out of hibernation, our migratory birds are returning from parts south to raise their young, and nests of all kinds are being built.

The spring weather has also brought out our local artists, capturing the wonders of nature on various media. Last Sunday the trails at the Audubon Center were lined with easels, and similar scenes were evident on Route 41 outside of Sharon, overlooking the famous Twin Oaks and other spots around the area.

Art has long been used to capture nature observations and evoke emotions, even back to prehistoric time. The only means that the first naturalists and explorers had to document their observations were sketches and artistic renderings.

We are lucky that we have so many fine artists in our area who get their inspiration from nature. Creating art can also be very rewarding to those of us who are not really “artists.† Sitting quietly in the woods or near a stream or pond and sketching what you see is a great way to build observation skills, relax and really experience nature.  

Part of it has to do with sitting still for extended periods of time and letting nature come to you; and part of it has to do with the attention to detail necessary to make a painting or sketch that you wouldn’t normally have if you were just on a walk. Try it! You don’t have to show anyone (I don’t) and it can be quite rewarding.

You can see the results of the observations and work of a professional wildlife artist on Sunday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. when the Sharon Country Club  hosts an exhibition of paintings of birds and nests by Peggy Macnamara.

Macnamara, artist-in-residence at the Field Museum in Chicago and a professor at the Chicago Art Institute, will also give a talk on her work and career.

For information or to register, call the Sharon Audubon Center at 860-364-0520 or visit sharon.audubon.org. The proceeds from this event will support Audubon’s work in conservation.

Scott Heth is the director of Audubon Sharon and can be reached at sheth@audubon.org, (subject line: Nature Notes).