Using the Elements of Nature in Your Creative Process

Art is a powerful form of expression that can be used to capture the beauty of nature. Nature has been a source of inspiration for artists for centuries, and it can be used to create stunning works of art. In this article, I will discuss the benefits of using nature in your creative process and how to incorporate it into your own artwork. Whether you identify as a creative or an artist, or not, you will be inspired by these strategies.  

Nature can be a great source of inspiration and creativity for creatives, and we are all creative! By incorporating elements of nature into your creative pursuits, you can create a unique and meaningful piece of work. Nature can provide a great source of texture, color, and emotion. Nature in art is the use of natural elements to create artwork.  

Using the elements of nature in art can be a powerful way to create a connection with the natural world. Nature in art can be used to create a sense of awe and wonder, to express emotion, or to create a sense of harmony and balance. Nature in art can be used in a variety of ways, from painting to sculpture to photography. 

When using nature in your creative process, it is important to consider the elements of nature. Elements of nature include things like color, texture, shape, and line. Color can be used to create a sense of emotion or to evoke a certain feeling. Texture can be used to create a sense of depth or to create a tactile experience. Shape and line can be used to create a sense of balance or to create a sense of movement. 

The Five Elements of Nature 

Each of the five elements has unique energy and characteristics. Being surrounded by these elements can stimulate your creative energies to the point that you must express it in song, dance, visual arts, poetry, or whatever your creative inclination is.  

Water 

• Life like water is fluid and ever changing. 
• Water can never remain still. 
• It comes in different shapes, colors, and sensations – water in a dewdrop, a tear, condensation, a single drop of water. 
• Water can represent different things – life, intelligence, wisdom, power, softness, winter. 
• Through water we can find tranquility and healing – just like your creative pursuits. 
• It can never be broken, cut, or destroyed. 
• Represents winter, fluidity, and adaptability. 

Fire 

• Fire is energy that has a life force that undulates and changes. 
• Sometimes subtle, sometimes bold. 
• Creates an organic environment – movement, line, shape. 
• All these entangles create a formal chaos that becomes a cohesive whole 
• It can give life as well as take life. It is neither friend nor foe. 
• If used properly it can give us food and energy. 
• If handled carelessly, it can cause injury and devastation. 
• It represents Summer, transformation, and energy. 

Earth 

• Out in nature, woods, forest, prairie, etc….you can sense presence and connectedness that can make an everlasting impression. 
• Fascination with growing things and animals. 
• Explore your relationship with nature, paying homage to the healing power of nature. 
• Earth expresses the extremes of endurance & patience for the fulfillment of her mission – that is helping humans to survive. 
• It represents stability and solidity. 

Air 

• There can be inspiration in the air/wind. Walk outside in the wind and feel the flow-feel energized by its power. 
• It is a source of survival. 
• It gives us the idea of vastness and opportunities in life. 
• It represents movement, communication, spaciousness, and openness. 

Spirit 

• This is the element in all things. An essential part of every living being. 
• It represents the connection and balance of all the elements coexisting. 
• It is a sign of a sense of joy and union. 
• It represents the infinity symbol and heart. 

 All of the elements of nature are interconnected and can easily be used in your creative pursuits. Try this exercise. 

• With your sketchbook and a pencil, go outside and walk and/or sit and observe. What do you see, feel, experience. Is it windy, sunny, stormy? What season is it? What colors do you see? How do you feel – are you happy, anxious, sad, spirited? What sounds do you hear? What shapes do you see? No judgements. You can’t get this wrong. Spend 10-15 minutes outside. 
• Once inside, take your notes and circle the words that resonate with you.  
• Write these words on your substrate. You can use a canvas, mixed media paper, watercolor paper or any type of paper that calls you. 
• Is there one or more elements that speak to you right now. Use the colors of that element for your painting. You can use watercolor, acrylic, oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, anything… 
• Bring other shapes, and mark-making into your piece.  

There is so much to gain from stepping outside into nature. The inspiration that you receive will bring forth meaningfulness into your life and creativity. Not only is nature healing, but it is also a source of grounding and gives you permission to let go and create.