The Artist's Road Painting the World's Beautiful Places

Inspiration Close at Hand

Artists' Gardens

George Van Hook



Iris          30 x 24"          Oil          © George Van Hook

   In response to our “Inspiration Close at Hand” call for paintings created in artists’ gardens or other personal spaces, we received these five images from artist, George Van Hook. Although inspiration can be found far and wide, many of us have found “diamonds in own backyard”, especially throughout the confinement of the pandemic. There can be great creative benefits to painting a more intimate and personal world throughout the changes of light and season.

The Flower Farm          12 x 16"          Oil          © George Van Hook

   George wrote to us, "I usually spend a good portion of the summer months painting the figure in the several beautiful flower gardens that encircle our home in Upstate New York. We’ve lived here for nearly thirty-five years, and from the very beginning it was our intention to make the surrounding landscape a haven  for painting. That, coupled with the delightful presence of our own three daughters, and with their many friends, meant that I would never lack for subjects or models!

   I have thoroughly enjoyed the years of work, and, looking back over the many paintings that I have done here, it’s a joy to observe the growth of both the gardens, and the wonderful family and friends that have given me so many hours of inspiration."

In the Garden          30 x 24"          Oil          © George Van Hook


Afternoon Reading          30 x 24"          Oil          © George Van Hook


A Quiet Moment          30 x 24"          Oil          © George Van Hook

   You can see more of Van Hook's work at George Van Hook Fine Art, or read our previous interview with him at Voices of Experience - George Van Hook.

   If you have paintings of your own garden landscape spaces that you’d like to share, drop us a line.