Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be able to breathe life into your deepest dreams?
My absolute favorite story was the “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, (The chronicles of Narnia), by C.S. Lewis. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, it’s about two brothers and two sisters who, while playing hide and seek in a big old house, discover magical wardrobe that is actually a portal which opens up into a land called Narnia.
This magical realm is ruled by the White Witch who keeps it under a spell so that it remains winter forever. The creatures of Narnia are mythical animals who speak, from fawns to dryads, centaurs and unicorns.
They ask the four brothers to help them break free of the spell, and so their adventure begins.
When I was little, us four older siblings: me and my two older brothers and younger sister, loved to play hide and seek in the house.
So often we pretended we were the four brothers and sisters discovering Narnia. Those were some of the happiest times of my childhood.
I often think about what that story set in motion in my mind and remained with me all those years so that when I went back and read it as an adult it enticed me to breathe life into those ideas and playful fantasies and put them onto canvas.
Now, why don’t we go back and pull those favorite stories out of the closet?
As we re-read it, think back on the reactions and sensations you had as a child. Remember that playful imagination we often forget and set aside as we grow into adults.
Now, maybe some of you might have not had a favorite story as a child, and that’s ok too. Maybe now is the time to find one!
You can even read my favorite story and see if it sparks something in you.
It may take you away on a magical journey for just a few hours, and start a whirlwind of ideas in your head.
(Don’t forget to tell us what your favorite stories are in the Facebook group!)
Finding a Dryad
So next time you go for a walk in the nature somewhere, take your sketchbook again. Go to a place that has some trees.
Trees are everywhere so this should be easy.
Now look for a tree that has some character and shape. Find one that speaks to you and take a moment to study the shapes, the branches, the boles, and the curves. See if you can discern a facial feature or a limb or curve similar to our own body.
First sketch the initial outline of the tree or branch. Then, using your imagination pull out the details. Use what you see but don’t let that limit your drawing.
We will be using our dryad in our next painting so have fun with this!
Dryads, or “Hamadrayds” in Greek mythology were considered tree spirits, integrally linked to the tree. The sap their blood, the bark their skin, they bury their toes deep into the soil to drink from the earth’s wells and stretch their arms up towards the sky to bathe in the sunlight.
Trees are more ancient than any human lifespan, witnessing years of events around them. Therefore, they have often been said to have immense wisdom and are considered to have guardian souls, or are often called the “Guardians of the forest”.
In this next video I take you on a special nature walk with me…