Hi everybody! Всем привет! Hola a todos! Bonjour à tous! Hallo allerseits! Поздрав свима!
29 09 2 0 2 5
Autumn Mood. By the Riverbank
"no preamble today" — someone
There is something timeless and deeply calming about being by the riverbank. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore, the rustle of reeds swaying in the wind, and the distant call of birds create a symphony of nature that soothes the mind and awakens the senses.
On a chilly autumn morning, I set up my easel just a few feet from the edge of the river. The sky was overcast, a soft grey blanket stretching from horizon to horizon. The air was crisp and carried the earthy scent of wet leaves and damp soil. My watercolor set lay open, brushes ready, and a thermos of warm tea by my side.
The view before me was both serene and wild. Tall grasses, golden and rust-colored, framed the banks, while the river itself moved slowly, its surface rippled by a light breeze. Far across the water, a narrow strip of land jutted out, topped with a few bare trees—dark silhouettes against the pale sky. I dipped my brush into the palette, letting the colors mix and bleed into one another, trying to capture the subtle mood of the scene.
Painting in the open air near the river has always felt special to me. It's not just about the visual beauty—though that is undeniable—but about the way time seems to slow down. You become part of the landscape, as if the river welcomes you and whispers its ancient stories through the wind and water.
Around me were small details that added to the magic: a plaid blanket laid on the grass, a bag of sketchbooks and supplies, and the occasional gust of wind that carried leaves spinning across my feet. Birds skimmed low over the water, and now and then, a quiet splash marked the passing of a fish just beneath the surface.
Even as my hands grew cold and the light began to fade, I stayed longer than planned. The painting would never fully capture the moment—but being there, present in that space, was more valuable than any finished artwork.
By the riverbank, one doesn’t just see nature. One feels it—breathes it in, listens to its rhythm, and lets it seep into the soul.
