My diaries are among my most-treasured possessions. Over the years I have filled many of them, and all of them contain a multitude of memories of beautiful moments in nature. As soon as I open an older diary these memories come back to life; as if I’m transported back to that exact moment. The emotion, the excitement I feel when I witness something in nature is what I want to hold on to, and the diary is the perfect medium to do that. Just a quick sketch, a petal, or a feather, anything I can draw or tape into my diary to preserve that feeling. When I decide to make a painting based on one of those memories, all I have to do is open my diary and let the inspiration flow from its pages.
One such memory resulted in my painting, “Green Heron”. We were spending some time in Missouri and even though it was a hot day I took a walk to the pond. It was so beautiful that time of year. The water lilies were blooming and everything was so green after the spring rains. I noticed a green heron, staring intently at the pond. From a distance I quietly observed him, making sure I didn’t startle him. Some brave frogs were sunbathing along the edge of the pond – a few small ones but also some large bullfrogs. Then the heron quickly jabbed his head forward and the next thing I saw were frog legs protruding from his beak.
As soon as I was back inside the house I reached for my diary to make a few quick sketches of the pond, the heron and the blooming hibiscus. I collected a few petals to tape into my diary, they were unbelievably big! I always thought the hibiscus was exclusively a warm climate plant, but this Swamp rose mallow survives very cold winters here with ease. The flowers were huge, the size of plates! I brought one in for my desk, it measured seven inches across! Sometime later, I was able to use my diary to recreate this moment in my painting, “Green Heron”.
Hallo Marjolein, is dit filmpje opgenomen op de Immenkamp het huis waar ik geboren ben in 1962? De tekeningen zijn zo prachtig en zo af en toe herken ik er iets in, net zoals op de kalender in het tuinkasje😀 ik wens u nog heel veel woonplezier op de Immenkamp toe ! Vr groet Agnes Bron
Marjolein, I learned about your exquisite talent thru Hallmark cards, several years ago. Oh my goodness, your artwork is mesmerizing. So beautiful. I love all the details, the tiny little hairs on the bumblebees……..amazing!!! I could go on and on. Thank you for a peek into your world.
I wish I could make a sketchbook but I can’t choose what to draw when I’m out in the garden or park. I just sit there overwhelmed and unable to put this feeling on paper. How do you know what to draw?
Marjolein, you are a gift from God to us all! Your talent is absolutely amazing and I know it has brought you a lifetime of joy just be the way you describe your findings in this video. I have never seen nature captured so beautifully and it seems to be a very natural thing for you to do. Thank you for sharing your magnificent works of art which are indeed respectable replications of God’s work, for he is the master, but you, Marjolein are one of his finest servants! May God continue to bless you and all those you love as you keep providing us with your extraordinary renditions of the world around us!
Thank you for sharing, I love your work❤️
Marjolein, your art is amazing. I am humbled by the beauty you share with brushes and a talent like none other. So soft, so beautiful.
I absolutely love your artwork, you are so talented! I love the way you draw everything and I love your colors, so pretty. I would love to jump into one of your paintings and just spend some time there. Thank you for all of your beautiful drawings. Teresa
Marjolein,
Wonderful to see how you are inspired and seeing you speak about your process..
Fabulous.
Cathy Pick