In the heart of creating a whimsical, adventure-filled nursery, I found myself embarking on a journey alongside Tobias (our soon to be son) and Mozi (our West Highland Terrier). With a canvas before me and a palette of colors echoing the hues of the nursery, I set out to bring their world to life and create a series of adventure themed nursery art.
Tobias + Mozi’s Hot Air Balloon Ride
The first painting in the series, Hot Air Balloon, was a test of capturing the ethereal beauty of sunrise landscapes. From the golden glow of the horizon to the warmth of the landscape, each stroke had to convey depth and perspective. Balancing the characters within the balloon was a delicate dance, ensuring each felt right at home in their journey. Armed with a reference photo and a newfound appreciation for value sketches, the painting came together with ease, the loose background contrasting beautifully with the focal point.
Tobias + Mozi go on Safari
The second piece in this adventure themed nursery art series was a Safari in Africa. This story beckoned with the magic of nature and the vibrant personalities of its inhabitants. From the majestic lions to the playful zebras, each animal demanded its own space on the canvas. Finding the balance between realism and illustration was a challenge, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. With grass swaying in reflective light and a sharp focus on the focal point, the painting came alive with energy and vitality.
Tobias + Mozi Set Sail
As the series reached its crescendo with Sailing into the Sunset, I dove into the depths of the ocean. Predominantly blue yet teeming with life, this painting posed its own set of challenges. Capturing the boat’s size and the transition from above water to below water was crucial, as was infusing the scene with the warmth that’s captured in the other paintings. Acrylic gouache proved to be a versatile ally, allowing me to layer paints with ease and bring the underwater world to life. This especially comes through with the wash that creates the ray of light coming through the water. And in a serendipitous twist, this painting became a last-minute addition, replacing one that didn’t quite fit the series. In the end, it emerged as my favorite, a testament to the power of perseverance and creative exploration.
Tobias + Mozi Explore the Mountains
While Mozi and Tobias in the Mountains didn’t make the final series, it remains a testament to the journey of artistic exploration. With its towering peaks and alpenglow lighting, the painting captured the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains. However, as my first foray into acrylic gouache, I faced challenges with color and scale, ultimately leading to its exclusion from the series. Yet, there are elements of this painting that still resonate with me, and with some digital edits, it stands as a powerful piece on its own. In the end, while it didn’t fit the narrative of Tobias and Mozi’s adventure, it serves as a reminder of the creative process and the importance of trusting one’s instincts, and remembering that it’s the process that matters and not the end result. While this painting will most likely not be used for anything, the lessons learned in painting it will be used again and again.
Creating This Adventure Themed Nursery Art
Throughout the process, I was guided by a vision of adventure and exploration, imbuing each painting with a sense of wonder and possibility. From the golden light of sunrise to the depths of the ocean, Tobias and Mozi’s journey came alive on the canvas, inviting viewers to join them on their grand adventure. While I don’t know who Tobias will be (we still have a few more weeks until he arrives!), I want to teach our son all that I can about adventure, wonder, and beauty of nature. These paintings are a reminder of that.
As I step back to admire the finished series, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Each painting is more than just a piece of art—it’s a labor of love, a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. And as I hang them in the nursery, I know they will serve as a source of inspiration for years to come, sparking countless adventures and dreams yet to be discovered.
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