A JOURNEY INTO NATURE'S SPIRIT - Tracey's Studio

© Tracey Walsh, 'Wandering Sun', Reindeer, acrylic on illustration board

For me, art is a bridge—a sacred connection between myself and the natural world, a way to honour and express the wild, untamed beauty that surrounds us. Every piece I create is deeply rooted in the landscapes, animals, and elemental forces that have captivated me since I was a child. I’ve always felt a profound spiritual tie to nature; it’s the heartbeat that guides my work, and my art is my offering back to this world that gives us so much life, mystery, and inspiration.

© Tracey Walsh, Raven, acrylic and watercolour on paper

The rustle of leaves, the songs of birds, the whispering breeze, the way the sunlight lays on various elements, the way the moon emits a glow of mystery and casts moon shadows on the ground—these are not just background sounds and visuals but voices, each one resonating with its own energy. Through my art, I aim to capture this spirit, to reflect not just the visible beauty of the natural world, but the deeper, almost mystical essence that lies beneath the surface. I try to listen to nature’s rhythms, its cycles, and its stories, allowing them to shape the colours, textures, and symbols in my pieces.

© Tracey Walsh, Lion, acrylic on canvas with symbolized authentic African motifs

Wildlife has a special place in my heart and in my work. Animals are not mere subjects to me; they are symbols of freedom, strength, and wisdom, embodying the primal forces of nature. I strive to capture the spirit of each creature, honouring their role as guides, teachers, and kin. In my art, animals often appear as guardians, woven into landscapes that mirror their natural habitats. It’s my way of celebrating their presence and the wild places they inhabit, inviting viewers to see them not as distant beings but as part of our shared existence.

© Tracey Walsh, Canyon, acrylic on stretched canvas (this is a photo of a photo. 

This was a large piece: 4'x6' corporate commission)

I love working with earthy tones, deep blues, and fiery hues, blending these colours to reflect the balance and harmony within nature. My Celtic heritage, too, whispers through each brushstroke, connecting me to ancient traditions that celebrated nature as sacred, as a living, breathing force. I draw on this heritage to honour my ancestors’ respect for the earth, and to create pieces that reflect their reverence for the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

© Tracey Walsh, Spirit Raven, acrylic on board panel

Through my art, I hope to create a sense of connection for others as well. I want each piece to serve as a reminder of the beauty and wisdom that exists in the world around us. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the quiet strength of a tree or the delicate beauty of a wildflower. My wish is that my work brings a moment of stillness, a reminder to reconnect with these natural wonders that are so integral to our spirit.

© Tracey Walsh, Sea Otter, oil on board panel

How about you? Do you feel that pull toward the natural world, that sense of wonder and connection? I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you’re inspired by a particular animal, or landscape, or simply the feeling of being close to nature. Share your reflections in the comments, and let’s celebrate the wild beauty that connects us all.

© Tracey Walsh, Autumn Birch, oil on stretched canvas

~ Tracey