River

our haiku/short prose:

Ripples on the water

Reflecting the light of dawn

The breaking of day

Transcript for River

Welcome, let’s take a mindful look at this artwork, River.

To start, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit, if you can and bring your full attention to the image in front of you.

First, let’s notice colour. What colours can you see? Do any stand out to you?

Take a moment to notice the cool, fresh tones of blue scattered throughout the artwork  - turquoise, teal, aquamarine and navy blue - accompanying shades of green - emerald, forest, mint and jade.

And what about warmer shades, like red and purples, seen particularly in the top left. A corner of claret and crimson tones with hints of rose pink and lilac. Can you notice red anywhere else?

Remember you can take a break at any point and come back to this whenever you like.

The leaf is a recurring motif in this artwork. Bring your attention to the two leaves that are just above the centre of the canvas. One is blue and the smaller one placed on top of it has a range of colours  – notice how jade green turns to pale pastel and towards the edge there is a beautiful shell pink. Can you notice this shell pink repeated anywhere else? 

Many of the leaves seem to float, creating a sense of gentle movement. Where else can you sense movement in the artwork? Perhaps in the sprawling leafy vines that appear to stretch upwards? And in the ripples of the water perhaps, where the winding lines of the river seem to entangle themselves. Is there more than one river? What do you think? 

And finally let’s look at texture. There is so much texture to notice! Of all different varieties, on the surface of the water and leaves, sprinkled all around. Flat, smooth, simple surfaces contrast against rough, rugged and detailed ones. Zoom if you like for a closer look. Patterns and prints, smears and smudges, wavy stripes -  marks made in the most creative ways.

Art can often inspire different thoughts in our minds - memories, connections, ideas… places you’ve been or times in your life. 

Does the artwork remind you of anywhere? Or somewhere you’d like to go?

What season do you think it depicts? What time of day? If you could step inside it, where would you place yourself? What sounds do you think would be around you?

If you’ve listened to this audio before, did you notice anything new about the artwork this time?

What was it like to take your time savouring the colours, shapes and textures?

Why not share some of your thoughts about this artwork or this exercise with someone you know.