Gathering Inspiration at the Japanese Garden

Last week I visited the Japanese Garden. It’s only an hour from me here in Cornwall, but it took me three years to get myself together to actually visit.

It was absolutely worth the effort - serene, peaceful, abundant and rich with inspiration.

Everywhere I turned there was a beautiful vista, or a carefully planned corner.

Of course, this being Cornwall, not Japan, and with the effects of lockdown - during which the gardens couldn’t be maintained - in evidence, there was a certain amount of untamed wildness going on, which just added to its charm for me.

My favourite parts were the water features. {Surprise!}

And the shapes the Acers created against the sky.

The bamboo, too - each stem so elegant on its own and in multitudes.

I sat and soaked it all in, wandered slowly along the paths, and gathered glimpses of shapes and patterns of light to bring to the studio for my next paintings.

I highly recommend a visit, especially just now when booking is required so you’re guaranteed it won’t be too busy. The owners are devoted to keeping the garden going, a hugely rich and valuable project. Find out more here.