Finding Inspiration in Painting and Life

Inspiration Point in Yosemite National Park

I have been away. Most recently on a trip to California and Yosemite National Park. Flying into San Francisco we met our good friends Barb and Walt from Connecticut. We drove along winding roads through the Sierra Nevada mountains emerging from a mountain tunnel to this spectacular view called Inspiration Point- with the sheer granite cliff of Half Dome in the distance. 

With record snowfalls and lots of rain the Yosemite waterfalls were "overflowing". But a May snowstorm with winter weather advisories closed the roads and trails and made hiking on slippery trails... not advisable. 

But before leaving, we visited the Ansel Adams Gallery, an inspiration to the many photographers we saw in the park. Ansel said, "I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us". 

The painting Among the Sierra Nevada Mountains by the famous German American painter Albert Bierstadt certainly was painted in a search for beauty!

Among the Sierra Nevada Mountains by Bierstadt

This painting at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. is in a quiet little alcove behind a curtain. Apparently Bierstadt was quite theatrical and often presented his huge canvases in such a display. 

Everywhere you turn there are inspirational views in Yosemite.

What gives you inspiration? Is it the spectacular beauty of nature, a stirring piece of music or the quiet appreciation and gratitude for person who has lived a full and meaningful life. I'd love to hear your thoughts on inspiration.