Stories

Why My Fascination With Fog?

I love fog. Fog simply reveals what has always attracted me as an artist—not dramatic scenery, but those quiet moments when light and atmosphere transform ordinary rural places into something unforgettable.

As Henry David Thoreau declared,“For many years I was self-appointed inspector of snow-storms and rain-storms, and did my duty faithfully…”, I have self-appointed myself inspector of fog for Hancock County, Ohio. Totally delighted upon its arrival, I merrily wander about the landscape in my little red car and camera for reference photos in search of foggy beauty. I am rarely disappointed.

It arrives quietly, slowly transforming the countryside into smaller views, less detailed, more muted, softer, and dreamlike.  Common things become different cloaked in fog. The space about you muffles sounds while becoming visually smaller.

I am not among those that deem fog as dangerous, spooky, and an unwanted intrusion. Through my watercolor paintings, I hope to share the calm, softness, and quiet mystery that fog brings to familiar rural places.  Many of my watercolor paintings begin on mornings like these, when fog transforms familiar places into something quietly extraordinary.

At these times, I am rewarded in seeing the world in a different light. It is a time with no hard edges where softness prevails. Knowing these foggy moments are temporary makes their presence even more precious.

I invite everyone to walk in fog, take in qualities that are unable to be expressed in painting. The silence, scent, and softness of the air while being cuddled by fog is an experience not to be missed.