Butterfly

This summer I revisited the Mawddach Estuary in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, a valley with ancient woodland, waterfalls, and a backdrop of mountains that overlook the ocean. Wales is renowned for its vast landscapes, and I have appreciation for its beautiful and dramatic landscape, but on this trip, I was interested in the small nature, the nature by my feet, the nature in the field, and the simple close-up little things.

I watched insects and butterflies, delighted in the colours and textures of the grass and meadow herbs, and enjoyed watching children observing the nature, catching grasshoppers in their hands.

I gathered my art basket and sketchbook and took an afternoon in the meadow, choosing favourite colours, playing with materials and painted. My inspiration was the energy and spirit of the Butterfly.

The Spirit Of Butterfly - 2022 - Mixed Media on watercolour paper

A day later, after the colour and ink had met the page, words arrived too. Below is the recording of Butterfly on my YouTube channel.

In a world that’s fast and changing, these moments of slowness, time with nature, savouring, are fundamental to our well-being. Being with the beauty of nature, the joy of little things, inspires me as an artist, gives me happiness each day.

Words & artwork © Sophia England