Wash Your Spirit Clean

Eric Buechel
Oct 14, 2017
2 min read

Updated: Mar 30

Here is another painting from my ongoing series dedicated to the breathtaking landscapes of South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee, a piece that I am proud to say I completed this month. The inspiration for this artwork is deeply rooted in a profound quote from the esteemed Scottish-American naturalist John Muir: "Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." These words resonate with me on multiple levels, serving as a guiding principle in my artistic journey and my personal life. Isn't that why we find ourselves irresistibly drawn back to the woods and the natural world repeatedly?

The beauty and tranquility of the sky, the majestic trees in the woods and fields, the gentle murmuring of brooks and the vibrant colors of meadows, along with the rolling hills and deep ravines, all serve as the finest teachers. They offer invaluable lessons and insights that far surpass what any book or classroom could ever provide. Each visit to these natural landscapes is an opportunity for reflection, rejuvenation, and inspiration. Thus, I find myself returning to the mountains, eager to embark on yet another magnificent adventure, where each brushstroke on my canvas captures not just the physical beauty of the environment, but also the profound sense of peace and clarity that nature instills within me. This ongoing exploration fuels my creativity and deepens my appreciation for the intricate connections between art and the natural world, urging me to share these experiences through my work.