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Have you heard of forest bathing?
It is a translated Japanese term...” shinrin- yoku” .

I hadn’t either until a few years ago, but as it turns out, it is something I have been actually doing as long as I can remember.
It is immersion in nature, using all of your senses.
It is going out in to the stillness, and breathing, observing, listening, taking in the scents, and feeling the calm.
Right now it is a “ thing” , and there are resorts and vacation packages that specialize in offering guests the experience of full immersion in the sights, sounds, scents and tactile experience of the outdoors.

I am fortunate... I get the experience daily on my walks , or a bit further when I drive to an inspiring location.

It is my inspiration for my paintings , and reflects my ultimate goal...which is transporting the viewer to a place of calm and beauty.

Studies have shown that even gazing at a photo, or a painting of nature can have some of the same benefits as a full immersion. Of course not as lasting or profound, but a daily “ escape “ to the outdoors in such a way is soothing to the viewer.

“Midsummer Noon” is a pastel painting of a forested path a little more than an hour from my home.
Would you believe it is in Arizona?
It is part of the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine in the world. There are large ferns in places, and the pathway is a rosy color in spots. Right now, as I write this, it is over 100 degrees outside. Just thinking about this cool green place is making me feel cooler and refreshed!

The painting is available on my web site, Christine Debrosky.com,  Artworks , The Pure Landscape and Waterways. Or, if you  send me a message, I'll be happy to provide details.  

Lemons...who doesn't enjoy the sunny color, fresh  fragrance, and the tart pop of flavor?

all kinds of sense memories come up whenever I see lemons growing right on the tree.

Sometimes I like to paint what I call  "outdoor still lifes ", which can be a set up that I have placed, or, even better- finding a composition as it grows. The latter is the approach in "Oh So Pretty".

I visited an area that has garden-like  grounds . On my walk, there was a large tree that was just full of the bright yellow fruit.

It was just such a delight walking around it. a simple pleasure.

This version was painted in the studio from several vantage points. I loved how some were in shadow, and some enjoying the sun. 

the sky was a brilliant Arizona blue...a perfect foil for the yellows and greens of the tree.

as I worked, I kept thinking of the song " Lemon Tree", recorded by Trini Lopez many years ago. 

"Lemon tree oh so pretty and the lemon flower is sweet

But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat".

I beg to differ! It is such a wonderful flavor.

This is on gallery wrap linen, and is available for purchase on Daily Paintworks.
https://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/Christine-Debrosky-11157