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O is for Open Air

O is for Open Air

I don't know about you, but I find being cooped up, in confined spaces constrains my creativity. Further, just taking a walk--cold, hot, rainy, whatever the weather conditions may be, changes the perspective and sometimes allows new thoughts to come to light, even though you didn't think it was possible.



These photographs were taken by my husband Damian, of me working en plein air/open air at the Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie, IL. At first I dreaded the idea of working outside, as a part of an open air public event, even though I'd volunteered for it. But gradually, as the morning went on, and the sun brought the surrounding environs to shimmering life, I grew to love it!

from www.mscareergirl.com

Typing outside is equally refreshing to tired old thoughts. The wind on the face and varied sights, with sounds of the outdoors, easily increases the flow of creative thoughts. You need not go camping to do this, or head to a bucolic locale, though if you can do that it can be exhilarating. A front or back porch, balcony or coffee shop with an outdoor table also does the trick--even opening the window, if that's not something you normally do, helps. The idea is shifting the way your brain thinks by immersing yourself in a different and preferably outdoor environment is bound to boost your creativity.

You may feel funny drawing, painting or doing your word processing outside, if so, either take a notebook, sketchbook or your open-mind to download fresh observations and new ideas to enhance your work.



Comments

  1. One reason why I like doing writing sometimes outdoors is because of the fresh air.

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  2. Absolutely! There's nothing better.

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  3. They have en plein air events where I live, so artists can go out and paint in nature. There's nothing better than fresh air.

    Sunni
    http://sunni-survivinglife.blogspot.com/

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  4. My sister and her husband were captured in a 'plien air' watercolor by a Canadian artist. They are crafters and were doing their craft at a show.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds really interesting. It's always cool to see yourself through the eyes of another person.

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  5. Beautiful wrk of art, by the way! Getting oneself out into the open helps shake up one's perspective and is refreshing too! I love sketching, reading and writing outside, but get distracted after a point.
    [@samantha_rjsdr] from
    Whimsical Compass

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  6. Love your work! And I totally agree--nothing like working and being outside to get things (all things!) moving! ♥

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  7. How lovely. Being outside really does shift things doesn't it? It's as though possibilities open exponentially in the fresh air.

    ReplyDelete

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