The Magic of Imagination

In my desire to continue my dialogue regarding imagination, let's explore the magic an artist can effect when applying the concept to visual art.  Dictionary.com defines imagination as 'the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses'.  For example, when painting plein aire (on location), the artist is often replicating the reality that lies before them, even though in the process they are placing their own 'human stamp' on the visual image.  One of my favorite places to paint plein aire is at Fishermen's Wharf in Monterey, California.  I often find myself, upon arrival, in the city park just adjacent to the Wharf.  The cement tables and benches create an ideal 'easel' for painting in watercolor, with plenty of room for board and palette.

I had painted the Wharf on several occasions, and found it to be a perfect warm-up exercise in creating a quick watercolor sketch.  The vivid colors of the buildings, along with their reflected counterparts, create interesting myriad shapes, colors and textures.  One such watercolor sketch is Fishermen's Wharf, Monterey, created, as cited above, while listening to the barking of the abundant seals and cries of the gulls.  These creatures serenaded the scene and created a vibrant audio backdrop that augmented the visual experience.

Fishermen's Wharf, Monterey

Although this sketch turned out quite pleasing to my eye, I felt remiss that I did not include influences that were unique to that particular location.  So I took a full sheet of Arches 140cp and used my reality sketch as a place to begin.  Monterey is surounded by hilly terrain that is located relatively close to the shoreline and wraps around the Bay.  If one looks across towards Santa Cruz, the mountains are very much in evidence.  They are heavily wooded, adding to the study in constrasts created by the mounains, the sea, the buildings, and the ever-present wildlife.  Monterey Bay, because of its unique depth, is home to a plethora of sea life that is not visible to the casual observer, unless one visits the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located about a half mile from Fishermen's Wharf.  The Aquarium brings the creatures and plant life of the deep sea up close and personal, allowing one to examine their physical attributes.  This beautiful environment is an extremely fragile one, affected not only by the natural elements but by the presence of human life.  Although I do not consider my efforts in representing the non-visible elements to have captured the ambience, imagining the flora and fauna was a magical experience.

Fishermen's Wharf, Monterey (imagined)

Allowing one's imagination to augment reality is playful as well as productive.  It stretches the artistic envelope to include new methods and tools, allowing the creative process to grow.  This can result in works that are less predictable, and much more interesting to look at and to contemplate (as well as to create) because they are filled with so many possibilities...and possibilities are the bread of life...!