Eightspiration: 0724
“Water links us to our neighbor in a way more profound and complex than any other.” - John Thorson
As I look back on July, I realize it was all about soaking up the sun near bodies of water. From the serene upper bays of Washington and the flowing rivers of Central Washington to the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast, I found connection and inspiration. Each body of water offered a unique perspective and an endless source of creativity, whether it was the tranquil bays whispering tales of calm or the wild Oregon coast igniting a sense of adventure.
My eight inspirations from July 2024:
1. Gone Coastal: PNW at it’s best
This month, I was fortunate enough to visit friends on the Oregon coast, which became my main source of inspiration. From hiking on the Pacific Coast Trail to driving along the beach, enjoying river floats, and exploring charming beach towns, I couldn't get enough of the coastal experience. Summer truly is the perfect time to be there, and I can easily see myself living in a coastal town one day. I ended the trip with a plein air painting session on the beach, which was a magical experience I can't wait to repeat.
CHECK OUT MY OREGON INSPIRATIONS
2. Pure love: The ultimate friendship
I met Riley in 2020 after many, many years of wanting a dog and finally securing a job that allowed me to bring one to work. Skipping over a thousand details of our meeting, I found her during a late-night search on New York Times Ads for “puppies for sale.” I picked her up from Oregon four years ago and have been absolutely in love ever since. Lately, we’ve reached such a sweet phase, adoring each other and cherishing our long walks and quiet moments together. I know it won’t always be this way, so I do my best to treasure and document these precious times with my girl.
3. Dutch: A dive into my mother language
I recently hit 75 days of studying Dutch on Duolingo. Granted, I'm probably doing the absolute minimum each day to learn the language of my ancestors, but I figure 5 minutes a day is better than none! It's been the easiest language for me to learn so far, and I look forward to becoming more fluent and taking a trip back to the motherland one day.
SEE MY DUTCH VISUAL INSPIRATIONS
4. Lucky Me: Card Deck Art
I don't have any of this in my space at the moment, but I have been loving all the artistic interpretations of deck-of-card art. There are so many ways to approach it, from focusing on luck and aces to personalizing a deck with geometric designs. I can't decide which style I like best!
5. Shoreline Reads: The Last Train to Key West
I recently listened to "The Last Train to Key West" by Chanel Cleeton and loved the light read based on historical fiction. While potentially labeled as “cheesy”, I enjoyed it. Set against the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, it intertwines the lives of Helen, a Key West native in an abusive marriage; Mirta, a Cuban bride in a complex marriage; and Elizabeth, a New York socialite searching for her brother. Their paths cross as the hurricane approaches, leading to dramatic transformations.
6. HGTV Obsession: I Bought a Dump, Now What?!
With only 4 episodes to watch, it was an easy binge. "I Bought a Dump… Now What?" on HGTV follows homeowners transforming fixer-uppers into dream homes. I like it because it offers inspiration, practical advice, and showcases the satisfying journey from rundown properties to beautiful spaces. It’s a reminder that even the most unpromising spaces can become something special with vision and effort.
7. Plein Air Painting: The Old New Way
Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, capturing the natural light and landscape in real-time. I recently experienced this on a beach in Oregon, setting up my easel on the sand and immersing myself in the beauty of the coastal scenery. The process of painting surrounded by nature, with the sound of the waves and the sea breeze, was incredibly calming and rejuvenating. Plein air painting on the beach was not only a creative endeavor but also a deeply soulful experience, allowing me to connect with nature and find peace in the moment.
8. The Ultimate Gift: Something Custom
I don't want this to sound like an ad, but there's something truly special about giving your friends a custom gift. A painting? Absolutely! A shirt? Yes, please! A handmade card? Go for it! There's something incredibly sweet about any gift you give a friend that has a personal touch. What's your favorite gift to give to friends?
Well, those are my inspirations for the month. Catch me later on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or in person at Nuwave Gallery!
WRITTEN BY CONTEMPORARY WASHINGTON ARTIST ERIN OOSTRA:
Erin Oostra, a contemporary painter and visual designer, is renowned for her impressionistic artworks that draw inspiration from the stunning landscapes of Washington State. Her unique blend of strategic visual design expertise and a passion for bold, abstract painting results in captivating, multi-disciplinary creations.
With strong, fluid strokes, Erin's latest pieces vividly capture her profound admiration for the awe-inspiring yet perilous beauty of nature. Her work graces the walls of galleries, restaurants, cafes, event venues, wineries, and breweries throughout the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the diverse and vibrant spirit of the region.
As the proud owner and curator of NUWAVE GALLERY in Ellensburg, WA, Erin continues to expand her artistic influence. Beyond gallery exhibitions, she lends her artistic touch to city wall murals and live painting events, adding a subtle yet engaging form of entertainment to weddings, grand openings, and intimate dinner parties. Erin also collaborates closely with individual clients, offering a personalized touch through custom artwork that resonates with their unique vision. If you're seeking distinctive, custom PNW art, Erin Oostra's creations seamlessly blend nature's allure with artistic brilliance.
