As a child growing up in the 80s and 90s, my existence was shaped by colorful TV shows, epic movies and endless imagination. Being a certified Bob Ross instructor, what I have realized is that incorporating whimsical stories into every brushstroke is the best way for me to make my paintings come alive. Bob always said that imagination is a muscle, and it needs to be exercised like any other part of the body.
The Tree Chronicles: Friends, Foes, and Family Feuds
I do not just see foliage when it comes to painting trees but rather, I see a community with rich backstories. For instance, some trees are like brothers. Their boughs are intertwined as if they had been attached together since their childhood days. Others have an inseparable bond that was cultivated over years of spending time together. Some are fierce foes due to a bitter rivalry that started many years ago. Others were stepped on one when they were very little by a fisherman making it crooked and giving it an extra special appearance.
Mountains and Airwolf: A High-Flying Adventure
The mountains are not still backgrounds but instead they serve as settings for high-speed chases. I envision Airwolf –the famous helicopter from the ‘80s— dashing past corners hiding away from the bad guys. Or a place for the villain to hide after taking the loot and running from the posse. Every ridge and peak become part of this exciting escape leaving viewers feeling thrilled about this picture with its beating heart!
Grasslands: A place filled with countless small creatures and unknown riddles.
In the grasslands, I picture a busy world of rabbits and groundhogs looking for food. At times, these fields are populated by small elves or trolls who climb rocks to get a better vantage point over their domain. This is because each blade of grass has a different story behind it while every rock could be a lookout point for these tiny dwellers.
Water Lines: Essentiality of Bears and Secret Fishing Places
When I paint water lines, I make sure that there is an opening where bears can come down for a drink or to fish. On occasions they happen upon campers who have ventured too close into their territories and must pay the food tax. In addition, there are unfrequented fishing spots known only to an eager father who wants to share the secret knowledge with his son. Thus, such minor details about the calm waters contribute to understanding the depth of the setting.
Clouds: Sky’s Mood Makers
My paintings are influenced by mood clouds. Are they happy clouds, floating in the sky blue or are they angry ones, which make everything dark and set up a storm? Individual clouds possess personalities and determining their moods establishes the atmosphere for the whole painting.
Why Stories Matter
Using stories in your canvas is not only fun, but also it bonds you with your art, such that each scenery becomes real. Just paint with the free hand the next time you pick up your paint brush and let your thoughts take over. Trees as friends or enemies, escaping through mountain tops and small animals on grass plains … Enable friendships arise, create struggles between them and go on adventures together. Every picture has a storyline waiting for you to ‘animate’ it. Such imaginative activities improve one’s artwork and keep their creativity alive.