Do you love or hate thunderstorms?
Did you know that rain and thunderstorms can relax you and relieve stress?
The dark storm clouds were forming overhead, and the wind was increasing. I was painting by the dunes along with some other artists. I really wanted to finish the coastal landscape, but knew I had to pack up my supplies and easel! I had to rush to get to a safe place and get my art materials away from the damaging rain before the storm came. Unexpected storms are obviously not welcome by plein air landscape painters. However, I definitely appreciate the dramatic and beautiful sky that a change of weather can bring. With an approaching storm, and evening not far off, I believe I have achieved the look of a threatening sky over the waters of the Delaware beach. Henlopen View is an acrylic painting on canvas, 18” x 24” framed in a brushed soft gold frame with an off-white insert look.
While some people are very anxious about storms, and “bad” rainy weather, others actually enjoy them. The gentle sound of rain provides relief from anxiety. Kimberly Hershenson, a New York City-based therapist specializing in anxiety and depression states:” The brain actually craves sensory input.” “Rain produces a sound akin to white noise. The brain gets a signal from the white noise that decreases this need for sensory input, thus calming us down.” {Why you should run in bad weather. runnersfirst.co.uk.} So the sound of rain, even if it is a thunderstorm can help you to relax and relieve anxiety.
Looking at art can also be relaxing. Consider owning original art for your walls. The three images below will help you to visualize the painting in a room. I added the “Sailing into the Sunset” painting if you are not into the moody sky. You can find my landscape and seascape paintings here.
Today we had several inches of rain and a few thunderstorms. For me, I was content being inside and getting some work done. I sometimes get a melancholy feeling when listening to rain, but I am quite sure this was mostly due to the music I was listening to, and some personal memories connected to the music. I started with Pandora Mozart station, but also was hearing George Winston’s Variations on the Canon by Pachebel; Brian Crain Pachebel’s Canon in D, and Hallelujiah. I took a couple of video clips of the heavy rain falling in my backyard, but decided it may not be the best to upload here (since it could slow the site.)
I hope you find my art to be relaxing and uplifting. A few of my contemporary abstract artworks are somewhat wild and energizing if you prefer a different vibe. Others are rather peaceful or joyful. What is your preference?