Glowing Embers

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Photograph of Euonymus Alatus Monstrosa in the Forest © J. Hulsey

What is it about this time of year which can send us into a creative tailspin? Yes, the sunlight has diminished in hours and intensity, and that can account for part of the mood changes, no question. But, as we were walking through the bare forest and fields this morning, it occurred to us that it can also be caused by the riot of fall colors we just enjoyed. Painting in the light of those blazing days made for an easy glory on canvas or paper. Now that it is over, we feel kind of like the morning after a really sensational party, stumbling around in the wreckage and dazed by the cornucopia we just consumed. We are suffering from a visual hangover, and it takes some getting used to.

This is the part of the year which makes us draw deeply on our inner resources and sense of purpose as artists, and that in itself is a good thing to revisit every once in awhile. Having to really search hard for compelling subject …