Ann Pimblott Art

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  • Finding Creative Inspiration in Nature: The Art of Slowing Down

    Finding Creative Inspiration in Nature: The Art of Slowing Down

    Slowing Down Enough to Really See

    Sometimes the inspiration for a painting doesn’t come from searching for something new, but from learning to see what is already there.

    When I slow down outdoors — whether walking in the countryside, visiting a botanical garden, or simply stepping into my own garden — I begin to notice things I would otherwise miss. The way light rests on leaves. Subtle changes in color across the sky. The reflections of things in the water.

    These moments rarely feel dramatic or important at the time. They are small and ordinary. But they stay with me, especially if I use my camera to capture those moments.

    Over time, these quiet observations find their way into my paintings.

    Art has taught me that seeing is not automatic. It is something we learn through patience and attention. Painting slows my eyes down. Instead of glancing quickly, I begin to notice shape, shadow, texture, and color more carefully. What once seemed simple becomes layered and alive.

    There is something deeply spiritual about this kind of attention. Slowing down to notice the world can cause us to feel grateful — an acknowledgment that creation is full of beauty if we are willing to pause long enough to see it.

    In a busy world that encourages constant movement and productivity, choosing to observe quietly can feel almost countercultural. Yet these moments of stillness often become the source of creativity. They remind me that inspiration does not come from striving, but from paying attention.

    Many of my paintings begin not in the studio, but in these small encounters with nature — moments when color, light, and stillness come together in a way that invites reflection.

    The garden, the landscape, and even a single leaf can become the beginning of something new on canvas.

    Perhaps creativity sometimes begins with nothing more complicated than this: slowing down enough to really see.

    Many of these quiet moments in nature eventually find their way into my paintings. If you’d like to see how these reflections take shape on canvas, you can explore my artwork here.

  • Resting in the Care of the Shepherd: Psalm 23:1-3

    There are moments in life when exhaustion runs deeper than physical tiredness. We carry decisions, worries, responsibilities, and questions about the future. In those moments, Psalm 23 reminds us of something steady and reassuring: we are not responsible for caring for ourselves alone. We have a Shepherd.

    Psalm 23 opens with one of the most comforting images in Scripture:

    “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures.
    He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
    He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1–3)

    These verses show us a complete picture of care — not partial, not occasional, but constant and attentive.

    shepherd tending sheep in scenic mountain landscape
    Photo by Ehaan Deva on Pexels.com

    The Shepherd Provides What We Need

    David begins with a simple declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Sheep depend entirely on their shepherd for food, water, safety, and direction. They cannot provide these things for themselves.

    In the same way, Jesus meets the deepest needs of our lives — not always our wants, but what truly sustains us. When we forget this, we begin striving, worrying, and trying to control outcomes. But the Shepherd invites us back to trust.

    Provision is not something we must earn; it flows from relationship with Him.

    The Shepherd Gives Rest

    “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

    Sheep will not lie down unless they feel safe. Rest requires trust. Sometimes the Shepherd must gently lead us to stop striving so we can receive what we need.

    Green pastures are places of nourishment and peace — not places we force ourselves into, but places the Shepherd leads us. Rest is not laziness; it is trust in action.

    Following Jesus often means learning to slow down enough to receive His care.

    body of water between green leaf trees
    Photo by Ian Turnell on Pexels.com

    The Shepherd Leads with Peace

    “He leads me beside still waters.”

    Still waters are safe waters. Fast-moving water can frighten sheep, but calm water allows them to drink deeply. Jesus does not drive us forward with anxiety or pressure; He leads us with peace.

    When life feels rushed or uncertain, His guidance is steady and gentle. We don’t have to figure everything out at once. We only need to follow the Shepherd’s voice one step at a time.

    The Shepherd Restores the Soul

    “He restores my soul.”

    This is more than physical rest — it is renewal at the deepest level. The Shepherd restores what is tired, discouraged, or worn thin. He brings us back to life again and again.

    Restoration is part of the Christian journey. We wander, grow weary, and lose perspective — and the Shepherd brings us back.

    gray pathway in between grasses
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    The Shepherd Leads in the Right Direction

    “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

    The Shepherd doesn’t only provide comfort; He provides direction. He leads us into lives shaped by goodness, wisdom, and love. We are not left to find the right path alone.

    And the most reassuring part? This care flows from who He is, not from how well we perform. He leads us for His name’s sake.

    Learning to Rest in His Care

    Psalm 23:1–3 reminds us that the Christian life is not built on striving, but on following. The Shepherd provides, leads, restores, and guides. Our role is to trust His care.

    When we feel anxious, tired, or uncertain, we can return to this simple truth:
    We are sheep with a Shepherd.

    And that is enough.

  • An at Home Daily Art Practice When Life is Busy

    a home art studio with a desk, chair and a window
    Photo by Sydney Moore on Unsplash

    There’s a quiet longing many artists carry — the desire to create consistently, without turning creativity into another task to manage. However, when life feels full, noisy, or demanding, even stepping into your home art studio can feel overwhelming. And yet, the ache to make something remains.

    A daily art practice doesn’t have to be long, impressive, or productive to be meaningful. It can be gentle. It can be small. And it can happen right where you are, at home, in the midst of ordinary life.

    This is an invitation to approach creativity not as a hustle, but as a companion.

    What a Gentle Art Practice Really Means

    A gentle daily art practice is not about discipline or output. It’s not about finishing pieces or keeping up appearances. Instead, it’s about showing up with openness, even when energy is low or time feels scarce.

    Gentle creativity makes room for:

    • Short sessions
    • Imperfect outcomes
    • Intuition over planning
    • Presence over productivity

    When art becomes a place of rest rather than pressure, it begins to nourish you instead of draining you.

    person painting watercolors with a palette
    Photo by Sean Bernstein on Unsplash

    Start Where You Are (Even If That’s Tired)

    One of the biggest myths about daily creativity is that you need a clear schedule, a quiet house, or the right mood. In reality, most meaningful art is made in the middle of life — not after it settles down.

    Your home art studio doesn’t need to be pristine or permanent. It can be a corner of a table, a basket of supplies, or a small space that waits patiently for you.

    If all you have is ten minutes, that is enough.

    A Simple Rhythm for Daily Art at Home

    Rather than a strict routine, consider creating a gentle rhythm. Something that feels supportive instead of demanding.

    Here’s a simple framework you can adapt:

    1. Begin with Stillness

    Before you create, pause. Take a breath. Let your mind settle.

    This could look like:

    • Sitting quietly for a moment
    • Saying a short prayer
    • Reading a line of Scripture or a reflective quote

    Starting this way helps you create from a place of presence, not urgency.

    2. Let Go of Outcomes

    A gentle daily art practice isn’t about finishing something every time you sit down. Some days will feel quiet or uncertain — and that’s okay.

    Therefore, think of your practice as tending a garden, not producing a product. Growth happens slowly, often unseen.

    painter palette on board
    Photo by Olia Gozha on Unsplash

    Creating Space for Art in a Busy Life

    Life doesn’t usually slow down for creativity — we make space for art within it.

    A few ways to do that at home:

    • Keep supplies visible and easy to access
    • Lower your expectations for what “counts” as art
    • Allow unfinished work to remain unfinished
    • Return to the same piece over several days or weeks

    Consistency grows not from effort, but from ease.

    When Art Becomes a Place of Rest

    For many of us, creating at home can become sacred ground — a place where we listen, respond, and rest.

    Art doesn’t need to earn its place in your life by being useful or profitable. Sometimes its greatest gift is simply helping you feel more like yourself again.

    In a culture that rushes, a gentle art practice becomes an act of quiet resistance.

    brown, blue and red paint brushes
    Photo by laura adai on Unsplash

    A Closing Invitation

    If you’ve been longing to create more consistently but feeling overwhelmed by life, let this be your permission to start small.

    Return to your art gently. Let it meet you where you are. Trust that even the smallest moments of creativity are forming something meaningful over time.

    If this way of creating resonates with you, I invite you to linger a little longer.

    Many of the ideas in this post grow out of my own daily art practice — slow, intuitive, and shaped by presence rather than pressure. You can nand see how this gentle rhythm takes visual form through color, texture, and layered abstraction.

    May it encourage you to trust your own creative pace and make space for beauty in the ordinary.

  • Too Busy to Be: Finding Rest in a Hustle-Driven World

    Lately, the subject of rest has been sitting heavy with me.

    I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in England or if it’s just how I’m wired, but I find myself quietly resisting our culture’s obsession with busyness. Everything feels urgent. Everything feels monetized. And somehow, resting has become something we have to justify.

    black and white photo of clocks
    Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com


    Recently, while paying our bill at a restaurant, I asked our server what time he was done for the evening. He said five minutes — it was already 9 p.m. — but then added that he doesn’t get days off because he works three jobs. Most likely to cover rent, a car payment, tuition. Survival, not ambition.

    And it made me wonder when this became normal.

    We see it everywhere. Parents running nonstop, shuttling kids from one practice to another, one lesson to the next. Without meaning to, we’re training them early for a future where working 50–60 hours a week is just “how life is.” Hustle now, breathe later — except later never really comes.

    children s team building on green grassland
    Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

    What happened to kids gathering in the neighborhood, making up teams, playing until dark — not for scholarships or scholarships-in-waiting, but just because it was fun?


    Maybe it’s time for a sabbatical —

    not in the Instagram sense, but a real pause. A few weeks or a month to step back and ask honest questions about where we’re headed and why. My husband and I have done this, and it’s been surprisingly life-giving. It sounds like an oxymoron, I know — a “productive” sabbatical — but when you give yourself permission to stop striving, creativity has room to breathe. Ideas surface. Clarity returns.

    person reading a book
    Photo by RF._.studio _ on Pexels.com

    Or maybe it’s time to reclaim a Sabbath —

    one day a week to rest on purpose. A day for things that actually restore you: reading, fishing, painting, listening to music, being outside, being present.


    Or maybe — and this is where it gets uncomfortably real — it’s time to take a lunch break.

    For some of us, the first two options feel wildly unrealistic. But even a simple, uninterrupted half-hour feels out of reach. Too many people eat at their desks. Or in their cars. Or not at all.

    Let’s pause for a second.

    If this is your normal, isn’t it fair to say we’re too busy?

    And will it change on its own? We love to tell ourselves, It’s just a busy season. But most seasons don’t end unless we decide they do. Without intentional choices, something eventually gives — our health, our relationships, or both.

    So maybe the invitation isn’t to do more, but less.

    To stop striving.
    To create space.
    To take time… just to be.

    If you’re drawn to visual reminders of rest and presence, I share my artwork as a natural extension of this journey. You’re welcome to explore it in your own time.

  • 5 Ancient Paths for Finding Rest in a Worn-Out World

    Ancient paths to find the good way to find rest for your soul

    Most of us are tired in ways sleep can’t fix.
    Not just physically tired—but soul-tired.

    We live in a culture that celebrates busyness, productivity, and constant connection. And yet Scripture invites us into something radically different:

    “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Jeremiah 6:16

    The ancient paths aren’t outdated or irrelevant. They’re timeless practices that meet us right where we are—overstimulated, distracted, and longing for peace. Here are five simple, life-giving ways to begin walking them.

    1. Scripture Reading & Memorization: Letting Truth Sink In

    Instead of skimming endless feeds, Scripture invites us to slow down and stay awhile. Reading even a few verses a day can re-center your thoughts and remind you who you are and whose you are.

    Memorization doesn’t have to feel like homework. Try writing one verse on a sticky note, saving it as your phone lock screen, or repeating it during your commute. Over time, God’s Word becomes something you carry with you—steady, grounding, and quietly powerful when life feels loud.

    2. Prayer & Contemplation: Making Space to Breathe

    Prayer doesn’t require fancy words or perfect posture. Sometimes it looks like honest sentences whispered while washing dishes or sitting in traffic.

    Contemplative prayer invites us not just to talk to God, but to sit with God. A few minutes of silence, slow breathing, or simply repeating a short prayer can help calm your nervous system and open your heart. In stillness, it’s where we discover we are not alone—and never were.

    Contemplation alone with God Be still and know that I am God
    Contemplation

    3. Worship & Praise: Re-Centering Your Heart

    Worship has a way of lifting our eyes when everything else feels heavy. Whether it’s music in your living room, singing in community, or gratitude spoken out loud, praise shifts our focus from what’s overwhelming to what’s eternal.

    You don’t need a perfect voice or a perfect mood. Worship meets us exactly as we are—and gently reminds us of hope, beauty, and God’s nearness.

    4. Fasting & Simplicity: Creating Room for What Matters

    Fasting isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intention. It might mean stepping back from social media, simplifying your schedule, or choosing to miss lunch in order to pray.

    When we loosen our grip on what constantly demands our attention, we make space for clarity, gratitude, and deeper awareness of God’s presence. Simplicity helps us remember that we don’t have to consume more to feel whole.

    5. Service & Justice: Finding Rest Through Love in Action

    It may sound counterintuitive, but serving others often brings deep rest to our souls. When we step outside ourselves—through kindness, generosity, or advocacy—we reconnect with our purpose.

    Serving doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. It can be as simple as listening well, showing up consistently, or helping someone in need. Love, when practiced, grounds us in what truly matters.

    Stepping stone path take one step at a time no rush
    One step at a time

    Walking the Ancient Path—One Step at a Time

    The ancient paths aren’t a checklist or a spiritual performance. They’re invitations. Gentle rhythms that lead us back to rest, connection, and wholeness.

    You don’t have to do all five at once. Choose one. Take a small step. Walk slowly.

    Rest for your soul isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you receive as you walk the good way.

  • Bold Nature-Inspired Art That Makes a Living Room Feel Alive

    View this artwork on Fine Art America

    For the Living Room

    Living rooms are where art really gets to shine. It’s the place we gather, relax, and express who we are—and bold, nature-inspired abstract art brings that space alive in a powerful, meaningful way.

    Inspired by movement, color, and the rhythms of nature, abstract art adds energy and warmth without needing to be literal. It becomes a focal point that feels expressive, modern, and easy to live with.

    Why Bold Abstract Art Belongs in the Living Room

    Most living rooms have open walls and calm furnishings. An abstract piece gives the room something to gather around.

    Nature-inspired abstract art:

    • Adds movement and visual interest
    • Brings color into neutral spaces
    • Creates a strong, confident focal point

    Rather than blending in, it gives the room personality.

    Save this pin for later 📌

    Styling Bold Art Above a Sofa

    One of the most impactful ways to display art is above the sofa.

    A few simple tips:

    • Choose a piece large enough to anchor the space
    • Hang it at a comfortable viewing height
    • Let the art be the boldest element in the room

    Large-scale abstract art above a sofa feels intentional and effortlessly stylish.

    Shop My Wall Art on Fine Art America

    “These abstract mixed media artworks are available as framed wall art, prints, and canvas through my Fine Art America shop.”

  • Abstract Art A Sharing of the Soul

    Abstract art is inspired less by what the artist sees and more by what they feel. Instead of copying the outside world, artists draw from emotions, memories, and inner experiences. Intuition often leads the process, guiding choices of color, shape, and movement without a fixed plan.

    The Tide is Turning

    This form of creativity allows freedom and personal expression. Abstract art can be inspired by music, nature, energy, or moments of reflection, turning invisible ideas into visual form. Because it comes from within, each piece invites viewers to find their own meaning and connection.

    As a person of faith, I find that prayer and meditation are practices that inspire my art and make a time of creativity even more satisfying.

  • Embracing Play Over Perfection: Inside My Studio Practice

    When I step into my studio, I’m usually not looking for a finished project or a clear end result. As an abstract mixed media artist, I work intuitively, letting the process unfold rather than trying to control it. Each canvas is more of an exploration than a plan—and over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful part of making art isn’t the final piece, but the enjoyment of creating it.

    Not Being Too Precious

    One of the biggest shifts in my practice has been learning not to be too precious about the work. I want to be free to experiment not overly attached to how I think it should look.

    I don’t want perfectionism to take over, so that my studio time feels heavy instead of playful.

    Letting go of that attachment opens things up. It gives me permission to take risks, to paint over something that isn’t working, to add some collage, or to follow a new direction entirely. Some of my favorite moments come from accidents, unexpected textures, or colors that I wouldn’t think to put together.

    Working From Intuition

    I rarely start with a detailed plan. I usually start by drawing on the canvas with a pencil, this takes away that fear of painting on a white canvas. Then I pick a color and start to put marks and shapes down. and let those elements guide the next step. I’m often asking myself simple questions like, What does this need right now? or What happens if I try this?

    Working this way means trusting my intuition, which isn’t always easy. Some days it feels natural, and other days it feels uncertain. But each time I choose to follow that inner nudge instead of forcing an outcome, the work feels more alive and more true to me.

    Choosing Play Over Perfection

    Play is a huge part of my creative process. When I treat the studio as a place to play rather than perform, everything changes. There’s less pressure to “get it right” and more room to explore just for the sake of curiosity.

    This is where I find Art Journals helpful. Being able to experiment in a mixed media book which is less expensive than canvases makes it easier to try new things and not be over concerned about the cost. These small pages can be used for inspiration for larger canvases later too.

    A Gentle Reminder

    This way of working—trusting intuition, letting go of perfection, and choosing play—is always evolving. Not every session is easy or resolved, but each one offers something valuable.

    At the heart of my practice is a simple reminder: art doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. Showing up, staying curious, and enjoying the process is enough.

  • 5 Budget-friendly ideas for a home art studio

    You don’t need a huge space or expensive supplies to create meaningful art at home. With a little creativity and intention, you can design a home art studio that feels inspiring, colorful, and uniquely yours—without breaking the bank. Here are five simple ideas to get you started.

    1. Choose a Small, Dedicated Creative Zone

    Your art studio doesn’t have to be an entire room. A corner of your bedroom, a section of the dining table, or even a closet workspace can work beautifully.

    In my house I have made the smallest bedroom, which contains bunk beds for my grandchildren to use when they come to stay, into my art studio. An inexpensive drop leaf table acts as my painting space, storage cubes hold many supplies and also an over the door shoe organizer holds tubes of paint and brushes when not in use.

    Having a dedicated spot, no matter how small, signals your brain that it’s time to create, helping ideas flow more freely.

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    2. Decorating Your Space for Inspiration

    Decorating your studio doesn’t have to be costly. Creating a mood board is a simple way to add color and to inspire future projects. Printable art is an affordable way to add personality and motivation to your space. Choose designs to keep the environment visually stimulating. You can order prints and frame them with repurposed frames from thrift stores or simply use washi tape to display them.

    Plants are always a good addition to your art studio they bring a natural, colorful element into your space, making it feel more inviting and inspiring while you create. They can help improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost focus—benefits that are especially valuable during long art sessions.

    3. Repurpose What You Already Own

    Look around your home before buying anything new. I use mason jars to hold brushes, a rolling storage cart for paints, pens and pencils and my bookshelves store sketchbooks. I make my own paint palettes by cutting down poster board and covering with freezer paper, making sure the shiny side is showing, I tape it underneath with masking tape.

    Storage jars, cups and trays from the kitchen can be used not just for utilitarian purposes but to add some pretty patterns or designs to your space.

    Repurposing everyday items not only saves money but also adds character to your studio—perfect for artists who value originality.

    4. Keep It Organized

    An attractive, colorful studio can boost creativity, but clutter can be distracting. I recently did a purge of my art supplies, donating items that hadn’t been used in years. Having such limited space to store supplies I have found it to be a good practice to donate or recycle one thing for every new thing that I bring into my studio.

    For what is left it is good to use clear bins, labeled boxes, or simple drawer organizers to keep supplies visible and easy to reach. When everything has a place, you spend less time searching and more time making art.

    5. Invest in Lighting

    Good lighting can transform any space. Natural light is ideal, but unfortunately I only have a small window in my studio so I use an affordable desk lamp with daylight bulbs which works well. Proper lighting helps you see colors accurately and makes your studio feel more inviting.

    Creating a home art studio on a budget is all about intention, not perfection. With thoughtful choices and a bit of imagination, you can design a space that encourages you to create, experiment, and enjoy the process every day.

  • Travel Tales: Luggage Journey

    So after 5 days of waiting for our luggage, we were told by AA to call British Airlines, who in turn told us to go to Left Luggage in person at Manchester airport.

    After arriving at the information desk, my husband and son-in-law were told to wait in line to contact Global Baggage Solutions on an internal number, the person on the other end of the line told them to call Rapid Air, who had a voicemail message informing them to visit whereismybag.co.uk, which is a website that is currently for sale. FRUSTRATION!

    Finally, 6 days after leaving St Louis we received our bags and were able to wear something different.