In the bustling corridors of Washington D.C., amidst the rapid tempo of software development and executive decisions, Becky Jewell found her calling not in code but in color. Transitioning from a high-powered career as a software executive to embracing the tranquility of plein air painting in Colorado, Becky’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and nature. Her story illuminates how stepping outside, both literally and metaphorically, can enhance creativity, planning skills, and resourcefulness.
Becky’s venture into plein air painting—a practice of painting outdoors and directly from the landscape—has not only been a personal renaissance but has also flourished into a thriving art business. With originals and prints gracing the walls of galleries in Boulder and her quaint hometown of Leadville, Colorado, her work invites viewers to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty often overlooked in our fast-paced world. As Becky eloquently puts it, “Painting is about finding quiet beauty, or what might be otherwise passed by.”
The allure of plein air painting lies in its immediacy and intimacy with the environment. Artists like Becky are challenged to capture fleeting moments under varying conditions. This mode of painting demands not just technical skill but an acute awareness of light, shadow, color, and atmosphere—elements that change with every passing cloud or shift in sunlight. It’s this dynamic interplay between artist and element that fosters an unparalleled depth of observation and responsiveness.
But beyond its artistic implications, plein air painting cultivates essential life skills that contribute to personal and professional success. For one, it hones creativity by pushing artists out of their comfort zones. Faced with unpredictable weather conditions and shifting natural light, painters must adapt quickly, think innovatively about composition and color palette, and make do with the tools at hand.
Moreover, this outdoor studio requires meticulous planning. Artists must scout locations, consider timing for optimal light conditions, prepare appropriate materials for different weather scenarios—all while respecting nature’s unpredictability. This blend of anticipation and flexibility is invaluable across all walks of life.
Resourcefulness is another trait magnified by plein air artistry. Limited by what can be carried to a location means making effective use of available resources—a skill that translates well into minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency in any endeavor.
Photo Courtesy: Becky Jewell
Through her Instagram (@beckyjewell) and website (www.beckyjewellart.com), Becky shares snapshots not only of her finished pieces but also behind-the-scenes glimpses into her process: setting up an easel among wildflowers overlooking mountain vistas or capturing the subtle hues of twilight over Leadville’s historic landscapes. These digital windows reveal how the discipline required for outdoor painting parallels entrepreneurial rigor—both demand passion, perseverance, adaptation to changing environments, keen observational skills coupled with swift decision-making abilities.
Becky Jewell’s transition from a software executive to plein air painter underscores a broader narrative about the value of pursuing one’s passions with purposeful intent. It serves as an inspiring reminder that success is multifaceted—it can be measured not only in career achievements but also in personal fulfillment derived from doing what one loves.
Her art embodies more than aesthetic appeal; it narrates stories woven from threads pulled from nature’s tapestry alongside human emotionality—a convergence point where external landscapes meet internal vistas. Each piece invites viewers on a journey through time-captured scenes urging us toward deeper engagement with our surroundings; encouraging us to seek beauty in overlooked places; reminding us that sometimes taking an unconventional path can lead to unanticipated fulfillment.
In essence, Becky Jewell’s story illustrates how integrating creativity into daily living enhances life’s quality across dimensions—professionally through building a successful business around her passion; personally by achieving balance amid motherhood; environmentally through promoting appreciation for natural beauty; culturally by contributing uniquely captivating artworks that enrich societal aesthetics.
As we navigate through our routines within confined spaces both literal (offices) or figurative (career paths), tales like Becky’s serve as vital reminders: stepping outside—our doors or comfort zones—can unveil new horizons brimming with possibilities previously unimagined or passed by without notice.
Published by: Martin De Juan
