When I’m feeling artistically stuck or facing a bout of artist’s block (yes, it happens, haha), I love to search the web and scroll through Pinterest for inspiration.
Recently, this led me to the work of Roy M. Mason (1886–1972), whose beautiful oils and watercolors reignited my creativity. Akin to me, Mason focused on nature, above all I deeply admire his sporting art and landscapes, particularly of wetlands and marshes. They exude a sense of authenticity and atmosphere.
Although Mason is often described as self-taught, his artistic journey resonates with me. He pursued his artistic path, defined by exploration and a deep connection to the art that inspired him most.
While my own artistic journey has included formal education, workshops, and mentorship, I share Mason’s independent spirit. Mason sought out the school of art that spoke most deeply to him. One of the things I admire most about Mason is his ability to infuse his landscapes with life by adding small figures or animals, giving his work a sense of story and connection to the natural world.
Mason painted alongside Chauncey Ryder, and he is also one of my all-time favorite artists. Take a look and you can see Ryder’s influence in Mason’s bold yet elegant compositions.
I sure wish I could have painted with them both!
Below, I am sharing a few of my favorite pieces by Roy M. Mason and I hope they inspire you too!
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