I absolutely love trees. I think they are one of the most beautiful things on the planet, which is why they are often the focus of my photos and from there carry over into my illustration projects. I especially love trees at sunset, when there is something about the light and shadow that is almost magical. These moments when you can feel the divine in the seemingly ordinary have always held a special interest to me. It is really lovely to once in a while really open your eyes and see the beauty in the world around you.

Below are a couple of a photos I took earlier this summer at Chautauqua Creek, a really serenely beautiful fishing stream that empties into Lake Erie. I converted it to sepia tones in Photoshop. I think this really makes the sunshine and shadow the focus. It is also kind of vintage which I love.

I’ve been creating some ink drawings using these photos as my inspiration. I am also playing with introducing a bit of a multimedia effect to my finished products in the form of craft cards, white highlights and glitter or foil. I’ll keep you posted on my experiments with introducing gold highlights. I just love sparkley stuff!! Below is my work in progress.

I’d like to challenge you this month to take a little venture away from the monotony of the everyday and to open your eyes and be inspired by the beauty to be found in the world around you!

Happy journeys!