Exploring ‘Art in Nature’: Ideas that inspire creativity

In their insightful book Art and Fear, David Bayles and Ted Orland argue that art centered around ideas is far more compelling than art focused solely on technique. I couldn’t agree more! Ideas not only make art more interesting, but they also create an entry point for everyone to participate in the artistic process.

You don’t need formal training to have ideas. This is the beauty of concept-driven art—it’s inclusive and accessible, encouraging us all to engage creatively.

Exploring “Art in Nature”

In yesterday’s class, I gave an assignment: Explore the idea of “Art in Nature.” The results were both surprising and inspiring, showing the diverse ways students interpreted the concept.

Example 1: Fall Leaves

One student photographed a vibrant composition of fall leaves. The natural arrangement of colors and shapes created a striking piece of art, showing how beauty can be found in the simplest elements of the natural world.

Example 2: A Tapestry in a Tree

Another student placed a tapestry in a tree, blending human creativity with nature’s organic backdrop. The contrast between the man-made textile and the natural setting brought a unique perspective to the idea of art in nature.

Art as an Invitation

These two examples are vastly different, yet both beautifully express the theme of “Art in Nature.” They remind us that art doesn’t have to be confined to galleries or museums. It can be found in the way leaves fall, the placement of objects, or the merging of natural and human-made elements.

The lesson? Art is everywhere, and engaging with it starts with a simple idea. Whether through photography, placement, or observation, we can all participate in the creative process.

The first photo of fall leaves:

The second photo: a tapestry perched in a tree:

Very different, but both are examples of ART in Nature.