Title: Big Green Leaves

Medium: liquid acrylic and graphite

Size: 6x8in

About This Work:

These paintings were inspired by my experience drawing in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere in Mexico. I record the magnificent beauty of the jungle with urgency as I fear that these places will not always exist. These paintings are 22x30in on Somerset archival-quality 100% rag paper with deckled edges.

I drew in the tropical cloud forests which exist at high altitudes with high humidity and irregular topography. Cloud forests are rare and unique and often covered with clouds. Sometimes the trees are full of epiphytic bromeliad plants and drip with various mosses. Other plants, such as ferns and begonias grow to huge sizes. In contrast, the Tropical Dry Forest has adapted to the absence of rainfall for certain months of the year and many trees lose their leaves during the dry season. There are a number of other tropical forests in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere.

As I drew, I felt wrapped in the forest’s embrace. I sat, observed, and absorbed the wonder of the Cloud Forest and the other forests translating what I saw and felt to the pages of my sketchbook.

In Japanese, they use the term “shinrin-yoku“ translated as “forest bathing” or absorbing the forest atmosphere. The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of the forest.

In German “Waldeinsamkeit” is translated as “solitude of the forest” or the enlightened subline feeling that comes from being alone in the woods. The purpose of interacting with the forest is to increase well-being, revitalize and de-stress.

I went forest bathing and enjoyed every moment of solitude in the Cloud Forest and the other tropical forests of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere in Mexico as I focused on the experience using all my senses to feel and explore this wonderful place.

In many of the images, I have included a ghost tree as a reminder of trees and species that disappear or become extinct. Every tree that is lost leaves a void, a shroud of memory, an echo of what has been.

I want you to fall in love with the tropical rainforests. I want us to care about the health and survival of our trees and forests everywhere in the world and act to preserve and protect these magical places.

You can purchase your favourite piece, and bring this magical Sierra Gorda Biosphere into your home or office.

How This Work Was Made:

Once I returned to the studio, I made these paintings from reference sketches and photos. These paintings are created with liquid acrylic and ink on 22x30in 100% rag Somerset paper with deckled edges. The painting fills the whole paper.

My original drawing is packaged in a clear plastic sleeve and can be shipped flat or rolled.

Please note: colours may appear slightly different on screen than they do on your art card.

Follow my art adventure on Instagram @cornelius.karen

Karen Cornelius holds the Copyright on all her artwork. No image may be reproduced for any reason without the consent of the artist.