Natures Whimsy

Over the past few years I have started several painting series about my love for nature.  Paintings that are filled with whimsical scenes of wildlife from birds to animals. The paintings depict how I imagine the world.  

Growing up in Michigan we were taught to look closely at nature and to respect it. We were taught to go beyond the glance...really look closer. The color of the ground, rock, bark, flowers always take me by surprise. The detail, texture of each unique item captivates me.

I create details in my paintings that are whimsical and with a humorous flair.  A chipmunk sitting inside his "Chipmunk Condo". Animals gathering to have a conversation..with human personalities.  My imagination goes wild when I am hiking and looking for new inspirations.

Chipmunk Condo..Click on Jennifer Lake Art 

I know it was sparked by the way I was raised and am so grateful for that.

You can find me looking into holes of trees and wondering who lives there. Sitting next to a stream and taking notes and making sketches. I do take the time to study the plant life and the environment.

Observing birds and how they interact with one another.

When I was a little girl there were two children's books that I truly adored. One was called "Tommy's Camping Adventure" (should have been called "Jennifer's Camping Adventures)"by Gladys Saxon. The other called "Take Me Home" by Dare Wright. Fabulous Children's books about life in the great outdoors! The first book is self explanatory. "Take Me Home" is about a doll that gets lost in the wilderness and attempts to find her way back home. She befriends an old crow that takes charge and guides her home.  Fantastic black and white photography of this little doll lost in the wilderness.

So the next time you go on a walk through your local park or a hike into the wilderness, take a little extra time to look inside a hole of a tree, look up, look down. Sit next to a stream and observe what is living inside that tall grass and let your imagination run away with you.

Climb inside an old stump. Look under the log to find lizards and cool bugs with bright green backs....show your kids a whole new world! 

One of the most wonderful games I was taught by my Grandfather George was crab apple baseball. You attached the crab apple to a stick and pitched it as far as you could and then ran to first base. In later years my son and I played pine cone baseball when we would take hikes. We are so blessed in America to have such beautiful places to visit and explore. Have a little fun the next time your hiking and see an entire new "World".

Click on Jennifer Lake Art to see more!

My son Easton learning about Nature!

ME...Exploring for a NEW painting!:)

  

"Robin" Lost in the Wilderness