Being outside is where I am happiest.
I am fortunate to live in an area with lots of green spaces (some only a few minutes from my house). And in the past, I would get out in them on a weekly basis or maybe more often, especially in the warm summer months.
And these natural spaces often serve as the starting point for a lot of my artwork, which features the landscapes, plants, and animals of the Pacific Northwest heavily. These areas also are great for clearing my mind when it feels busy or cluttered.
But this past year, I have spent far more time indoors than I normally would.
And as summer approached, I was missing the outdoors and honestly feeling stuck in my art as well. Ideas were not flowing as freely as they had been.
So as I knew I had some time off, I decided to get outside again. This time, trading my deep green and gold forests for the land near Bend/Sisters, with its landscape visibly shaped by the volcanoes and lava flows throughout the area (and its air heavy with the butterscotch sweetness of Ponderosa pines).
I was lucky to find a campground with a vacancy for the few days I was off and that would make a great base camp. Maybe a little adventure was just what I needed to clear my head and find my inspiration again.
So with a fully packed car, I headed southeast, leaving the I-5 corridor for the forests of the Cascades. It was much cooler as I wound my way through the mountains, glimpsing peaks between the clouds. Watching as the color palette shifted and the land opened up wider beneath the sky.
On my way to the campsite, I stopped briefly at the Headwaters of the Metolius to stretch my legs. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to the area above where the springs bubble up from the shaded ground and widen into a river. And there are ground squirrels. EVERYWHERE.
These ones were especially inquisitive and would nearly run up to the toes of my boots. Butterflies also flitted in and out of the trees. But I also wanted to make sure I was set up before nightfall (which is thankfully late in the evening in summer).
The next day, I headed for the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway. This road wends itself between the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor and is stunning. Honestly, I could have just spent my whole trip exploring this area. The Sparks Lake area was particularly beautiful, with an amazing view of Mt. Bachelor (and I hope to add some drawings of it soon).
I also visited Newberry Crater while I was down there. And learned that there are lizards among the lava flow! I was lucky enough to overhear a tour group on my hike and later found a couple brown lizards skittering across my path, seeking shade from the already hot sun.
One surprise was Shevlin Park, which my explorations of on two days were cut short by passing thunderstorms. But I would 100% go back. Especially because there are so many cool birds. I saw a woodpecker and heard rumors that there are owls. Which is absolutely an excuse to come back and explore some more.
On a side note, I also found some amazing food. Angeline’s Bakery in Sisters had amazing vegan and gluten-free baked goods. Including large cinnamon rolls that made for not only a delicious breakfast, but a filling afternoon snack as well, along with easy options for lunch. Bend Pizza Kitchen was also incredible with vegan pizza (I recommend the Prima Patata), which along with a vegan Caesar salad and some garlic knots, I was able to enjoy for lunch the next day.
But most importantly, I felt relaxed again. At ease. I traded my iPad for pencil and paper and snapped photos of the things around me.
And once I returned home, drawing again had a flow to it. And I was able to use what I seen as a starting place for designs.
Since I returned from my short trip, I have been making a point of getting out in the green spaces near my home again too. Because what better way to be inspired by nature than being out in it.
I guess sometimes what I need is to:
get out of my house,
get out of my head,
and get outside instead.
Fernheart Designs 