by Louise Seirmarco-Yale, Reston Artist
Winter often feels like a time to retreat, but it also holds a unique power to unlock creativity. Winter’s gift is rest, renewal, and the freedom to create.
The stillness of winter encourages people to dive into creative hobbies like painting, writing, knitting, and crafting. It allows us to express feelings and ideas that may have been overshadowed during busier months. When your brain is at rest, your default mode network becomes active, allowing daydreaming. Daydreaming is the value of downtime and supports creativity.
Cold weather invites peaceful walks in nature. The nuanced colors of a snowy landscape remind us that a winter scene is not just white—it is full of subtle blues, silvers, and soft shadows that shift as the light changes. Bare tree branches, with their stark skeletal silhouettes, form striking patterns, especially at dawn or dusk when the light casts a magical glow. Without the color of leaves and brush, we have a new monochromatic filter through which we can discover previously unseen shapes. Winter birds stand out vividly against bare branches and snowy backdrops.
New shapes discovered in the morning frost or tiny perfect drops of rain on the window may spark ideas of making art to showcase the beauty of these little art forms. Paint rainy cityscapes, and let the medium’s fluidity mimic the softening effects of rain. Consider placing a piece of watercolor paper outdoors briefly, letting raindrops create natural patterns on water-soluble paints or inks, then finish the piece indoors. Use a toothbrush or a spray bottle to mimic the randomness and softness of a light drizzle. Notice the beauty often present in puddles.
Winter’s slower pace often encourages reading more books, which is renewing. Journaling is another outlet for introspection and self-expression, whether through stories, poems, or blog posts. The quiet of winter, paired with soft lighting, creates the perfect environment for cozying up with a cup of tea for a time to refresh.
Some use the winter months to declutter their homes, providing physically and mentally clear space for personal growth and creativity. Winter also can be the perfect time to reconnect with one’s spirit through prayer, religious observance, or spiritual reflection, helping us find renewal and guidance. Art and creativity can emerge when we shift our perspective.
Let that be your art mission in January: engage in a renewing activity, embrace your creative instincts, and follow where they lead. Imagination fuels both artmaking and appreciation. Discover the art within you and let it flourish.
Louise Seirmarco-Yale is a Reston artist, speaker, teacher and author of “Art. You Be The Judge. Reawaken your Instincts and Enjoy Art On Your Own Terms” is available on Amazon.
Learn more at www.peopleneedart.com, or email her at: hello@peopleneedart.com
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