Art for Nature

Authors: South West Youth Ambassadors

Artists have always been drawn to nature and our planet for inspiration when creating their work. There are endless examples to explore, from Claude Monet being inspired by the beauty of nature to create The Water Lilies, to El Anatsui finding inspiration by transforming materials.

We spoke with Action for Conservation (AFC) Ambassadors in the South West to hear why they feel art is important to them, how it connects them with nature and how it helps to protect the environment! Our Ambassadors are also talented young artists and have shared their amazing artwork, which you can see below alongside their thoughts.

Claude Monet, 'Reflections of trees', between 1914 and 1926, two oil "panels" placed side by side on canvas mounted on the wall. H. 200 ; L. 850 cm. © RMN-Grand Palais (Orangerie Museum) / Hervé Lewandowski

'Kindred Viewpoints' made from Aluminium Bottle Caps and Copper Wire. Photo: Marrakech Biennale 6-Not New Now, Jens Martin

How does art help you connect to nature?

One Ambassador is inspired by nature to make art and to raise awareness. They created a beautiful illustrated comic strip which explores how art and nature are linked and why nature should be protected.

Comic strip created by an AFC Ambassador from the South West

AFC Ambassador Evie says, “I think art helps me to connect with nature because it’s so important for humans to connect through their passions, thoughts, and worldview. And what better way is there than art? Arguably, an artist’s job is to see things that others can’t, and communicate that onto a physical medium.

Whether that’s drawing, sculpture, painting, music or poetry, being an artist is a whole new means of communication. It's a completely different, complex way of showing others the world through how you see it. Our entire species relies on the natural world, so of course, artists love to use it in their work.

Nature is such a great thing to make art of because there are so many ways to view it, whether that’s through colour, shape, place or even meaning. Creating art from nature is a great way to show others just how wonderful it is. For a lot of people, art is a spectacularly helpful way to connect people to nature. You might paint a place you want to go, the woods at the back of your neighbourhood, or even a flower in your back garden. Whatever it is, creating art from nature helps people look really closely and be able to expand their knowledge about the world around them.”

AFC Ambassador Leah says, “It helps me notice the details of nature and look harder at it, and I think it helps me if I'm in a creative slump because nature has great shapes and lines that are very inspiring.”

What are your favourite animals, plants, or places to make art about?

One AFC Alumnus said that it is important to “value all [of nature] equally”, and so they make art about lots of things in nature!

AFC Ambassador Evie says, “I think I’d have to say trees. You can find them anywhere, and no tree is the same. They’re very good for observational drawings, and I like drawing the curves and swirls in the tree grain. You can’t really go wrong with a tree, because they don’t have to be perfect or symmetrical. You can just go with the flow. For animals, jellyfish or whales. They’re really cool to draw.”

AFC Ambassador Leah says, “My favourite thing to make art about is trees (especially trees at this time of year with blossom) because I find them very relaxing to look at.”

Artwork created by AFC Ambassador Etta and the Off the Record Youth Climate Action Group 2024

What advice do you have for other young people who want to get into art?

AFC Ambassador Evie says, “Just draw! It doesn’t have to be amazing, it doesn’t even have to be great. But art is such an integral, beautiful part of the human experience. I know that everyone says you just have to practise and practise, which is sometimes correct, but your art needs to be yours. There are millions of resources you can find to improve your art and skill, but sometimes, all you need to learn is a pen and paper, a nice place to sit, and your surroundings.”

AFC Ambassador Leah says, “Just give it a go! There is no such thing as bad art!”

We hope this has inspired you to pick up a pen, pencil, paintbrush or camera and create some art inspired by nature! 

Thanks for reading!