I've had some amazing opportunities over the last month to display my artwork and met some really amazing people. I love getting my work out in front of people and having the opportunity to see the reaction of the viewer and to answer questions. One of the most asked questions I receive when discussing my artwork, is "where is this place" in the painting? The truth is, most of the places I paint are from my imagination, but it's no surprise that nature is one of my biggest inspirations. I am constantly in awe of the colors and formations of clouds and can spend hours painting them. I often paint spaces where I could imagine sitting for hours, listening to the birds chirping and the rustling of the grass.
I have a memory from when I was probably nine or so that I think about often. My brother had built a treehouse in a big old tree along the creek in our little town. It was on the edge of town and we had to walk across the railroad tracks to get there, so it felt like we were miles away. There was a small field of grass there and one day, I remember laying in the tall grass and looking up at the clouds. The feeling of "awe" stayed with me. I felt a connection to the quiet and stillness and I can still remember laying there, feeling so at peace.
Today, with all of the distractions and pressure to "go, go, go", I don't think many of us stop to notice the small things, but I actively seek them out - I study the shadows that branches and leaves make on the ground and admire how they dance as the wind blows, I plant flowers in my garden, so I can watch them sway, and I love the way the light at sunrise and sunset kisses everything with an orangey glow. These are all "small" things that could easily be taken for granted, but the thing is, they aren't small, they are magnificent! 
For me, there is so much beauty around us and inspiration is everywhere!
I tell about it with my paint brush.
- RE