The sun shone and the wind was still as I sat next to a burbling stream, writing and sketching. Icicles hung from branches at the river, and rocks were tinged with frost as the days grow colder. Chimney smoke hovered above a house across the valley. The mountains of Rondane national park, dusted with white,Continue reading “Mountain air”
Author Archives: Outspoken Images by Marie Warner Preston
Through the trees
Summer changes to autumn in the northern hemisphere, with cool nights and colourful leaves. Outspoken Images is also in a season of transition. Mr. Outspoken Images said “yes” to a short-term work opportunity, so both he and I (Marie) have been in Spain for a month. Keep reading to view artwork inspired by new European landscapes and learn about otherContinue reading “Through the trees”
Furuvandring
Furu|vandring = pine (fir) tree | wandering Artists in Residence, Folldal hosted a furuvandring this spring. The evening event took place near my house, and I decided to walk there. It was raining hard as I prepared my hiking pack, and I wondered what I had gotten myself into. The skies cleared before I wasContinue reading “Furuvandring”
Each other’s
We are each other’s harvest: we are each other’s business:we are each other’s magnitude and bond.-Gwendolyn Brooks (Paul Robeson) Fostering education, creating opportunities, and sharing stories are big reasons why Outspoken Images exists. My illustrator community led me to The Bookmark Project, which supports education at Katiyo Primary School in Zimbabwe. I donated a bookmark, ThroughContinue reading “Each other’s”
Shifting perspectives
For several wintery months, the sun’s path remains hidden behind mountains. It now rises a little higher each day, creeping farther around craggy mountains and creating an ever-changing light show. This is a season when I savour the remaining winter days while anticipating spring. It’s a time of rising hope, a time to dream, and aContinue reading “Shifting perspectives”
Finding my way
There is much to celebrate as winter arrives here in Folldal: Cold, clear, star-lit nights. Shadows from the waxing moon and the silent flight of an owl overhead. Midday adventures in low-to-the-horizon sunshine and soft sounds of feet on snow. These are the environs that shape my artwork, the beauty of a planet that behoovesContinue reading “Finding my way”
The little things
I joined Stefan Große Halbuer in his October daily drawing challenge Plastober. I decided to draw with pencil (and eraser) in a simple comic style in line drawings. I didn’t have a schedule, I simply grabbed a bit of sunshine when it appeared. I often sat at my desk and listened to a podcast. I typicallyContinue reading “The little things”
Fail better
I’m learning to experiment, both in artwork and in life. In my painting, I’m using colours to change the mood and feel of an illustration. I’m combining ink types to see what effects I can obtain. I’m trying ideas without tracking my time during my ventures into the unknown. When we are young, we callContinue reading “Fail better”
Who inspires you?
Brave ladies were born and led new adventures during this month in history. Here’s a brief introduction to two ladies who inspire me. Katherine (Coleman Goble) Johnson was born 26 August, 1918 in West Virginia, USA. She was a math whiz, instrumental in calculating orbital equations and mechanics for National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later NationalContinue reading “Who inspires you?”
What IS sustainability?
I recently recorded an interview for The Master Pods. The sustainability podcast is hosted by Rachael Gradeen, Olivier Rostang, and Laura Meßner. Guests in their first season were fellow students in the Master’s Programme in Sustainable Development at Uppsala University / Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The podcast is a valuable resource whether you areContinue reading “What IS sustainability?”
Metamorphosis
Thanks to my best editor and influencer, my curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé has completely changed in appearance. Instead of using words to describe my work history, I use images that show my skills and career path. My CV has morphed enough in the last two decades that I could curate my own art exhibitContinue reading “Metamorphosis”
A time to reflect
One year ago, my husband and I briefly lived in our current house. We had given away most of our earthly possessions, moved from the Oslo area, and started a road trip through Norway as we figured out what was next for us. We spent a week in Folldal as Airbnb guests, enjoying the snowContinue reading “A time to reflect”
The rising sun
The rhythm of life on a tilted, spherical planet swings once again toward longer days here in the northern hemisphere. The sun now rises high enough to cast long rays of light into my office. A bright winter day is a great reason for me to be thankful. The temperatures here have been cold (-25°C),Continue reading “The rising sun”
Growing with the times
I’ve been interested in photography ever since I was gifted a camera as a child. Back then, you used this thing called 35 mm photographic film. One had to be careful and keep the film away from sunlight. The film came in canisters that you loaded into your camera. You pressed the shutter button; the shutterContinue reading “Growing with the times”
Following my heart
I thought October drawing challenges were cool concepts, but I was a photographer, not an inking artist. I had talented friends who engaged with it, but it wasn’t for me. Now it’s time to break out the pens. This is a great springboard for my shift from photographer to graphic designer. Having a daily promptContinue reading “Following my heart”
The times, they are a changin’
Autumn colours are showing themselves here in mid-Norway. Night is slowly taking a larger share in a 24-hour cycle. The night-time low temperatures creep toward freezing. But the days still bring blue skies and swiftly moving clouds – the stuff of everyday adventures – and we’ve got sturdy boots and a cozy fireplace. Making another moveTJ and IContinue reading “The times, they are a changin’”
Creating joy
I enjoy learning from other creative people. The latest advice that I’m taking to heart: Create art that makes me happy. This has been a season of learning. I started a newsletter, added new external shops for merchandise, and finally took the leap into a new website. I’ve been moving in a new creative directionContinue reading “Creating joy”
Some things I’ve learned
My everyday life was going to change this year. I knew that at the end of January. My family had already decided to move from the Oslo area. We didn’t know where we were going, so we decided to take some time off and travel around Norway. / Hverdagen min skulle endre seg i år.Continue reading “Some things I’ve learned”
On top of the world
Seeing the world through new eyesIt finally happened: I travelled to Nepal with my husband. Our dear friend Rabi had invited us many times to his home country, but life somehow kept getting in the way. But this October, we finally found our way to the place with the highest mountains in the world. (Above:Continue reading “On top of the world”
Looking back
I read through old blogs and thought about what’s changed in the last four years—that’s how long I’ve lived in Norway. I’m still learning and laughing. Exploring. I like adventures. They can be an everyday event, like walking to work, or something life-changing, like moving to a new country. Either way, they make learning moreContinue reading “Looking back”
It’s summer, get outside!
My, how time flies. Hmm, it was winter the last time I wrote. Since then, the days have grown much longer and already begin to grow shorter again. Trees have flowered (loads! —the worst pollen allergies I’ve experienced), family and friends have visited, and it’s soon time to take to the marked trails of NorwayContinue reading “It’s summer, get outside!”
Wishy-washy winter
You may not know it by looking out the window, but it hasn’t been a proper winter around here. There is a decent amount of snow on the ground, but our Norwegian winter adventures have been regularly interrupted by rain. Normally, I’d have a pile of winter landscapes in my year’s photography folder: Skiing, snowshoeing,Continue reading “Wishy-washy winter”
A New World
I’m recently back from my first trip to a new part of the world – India. A friend invited us to his wedding in Kolkata, and we were very happy to accept. Kolkata (Calcutta) is a huge city. The metro population is the same as the entire nation of Norway. If you add the suburbsContinue reading “A New World”
Winter Wonderland
The change from November to December was a big one this year because I swapped high summer for the first snow of the season. The bonus of visiting family in the southern hemisphere when you live in the northern one. The purpose of trading grey winter for sunny summer wasn’t just for the sun orContinue reading “Winter Wonderland”
Above the Earth
Mountains and reindeer and sun, oh my Wow, it’s been a while. Here’s a long-overdue update. August is a fine time for a holiday because you have the paths to yourself. Tromsø is a pretty city and the mountains around it are an excellent playground. TJ ran in the Tromsø Skyrace and we hiked together.Continue reading “Above the Earth”
A Different Pace
Approaching Rondvassbu hytte in Rondane National Park It’s been a very dry and sunny summer in Norway, which means a struggle for farmers but enjoyable outdoors adventures for the rest of us. The first weekend of summer mountain getaways began with torrential rain and ended with three days of practically perfect summer weather. This four-day tourContinue reading “A Different Pace”
Life is all about learning
At the train station in Kløfta, Norway I jumped into a new world this summer when I said yes to a retail job. Each day teaches me something, and I want to share an interaction from this past week. A customer asked me the price for an item, and I informed her: førtini (forty nine)Continue reading “Life is all about learning”
Sunny everywhere
Time to break out the sunscreen It’s Eastertime in southern Norway and winter’s coldness is giving way to spring sunshine. The nights are still below freezing but the bright daytime sun is working hard. The snow on the side of the road may be grey and crusty but in the forest it’s still white andContinue reading “Sunny everywhere”
Let It Snow!
Bambi: Hey mama, what’s all that white stuff? Mama: It’s snow. Winter has come to the forest. When it really snows In our little town northeast of Oslo, we have 125-180 cm (50-70 inches) of snow (info courtesy of Skiforeningen). This is great news – I am a product of the northern hemisphere and believe that winterContinue reading “Let It Snow!”
New Year, New Creativity
I am a little late in the game, but I went for it anyway. Someone you know needs a wall calendar – why not buy one of mine? I still didn’t have one and that was enough reason to start creating. With friends and family on both sides of the ocean, you can begin theContinue reading “New Year, New Creativity”
Next mountain kingdom
The world is a pretty big place, but I get pretty good opportunities to explore it. I am blessed with a husband who likes to adventure, and we have friends and family who live in beautiful places. The next stop on the adventure list is Lesotho, a small country in Southern Africa. We like toContinue reading “Next mountain kingdom”
Wilderness hiking
Three-hundred and eighty-five kilometers over rivers and bogs and mountains, oh my. My intrepid husband and I hiked north through Norway from Ringebu toward Kristiansund for three weeks in July. We slept in our trusty tent two weeks and overnighted in DNT cabins the other seven days, when we decided our bodies and gear couldContinue reading “Wilderness hiking”
The Road Less Travelled
… Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost Getting outdoors in Norway is very easy. There are walking and bicycling paths in the city. There so many marked hiking trails in the forest and mountains that youContinue reading “The Road Less Travelled”
Sun through the fog
It’s that time of year when the word Påskestemning starts getting tossed around a lot. Translation: Easter feeling/mood. What it truly represents: The coming of spring. It is best known as skiing in your t-shirt because it’s warm and sunny and winter is ending. This is most often experienced in the mountains at Eastertime (Påske) and involves a stayContinue reading “Sun through the fog”
Wishing for Winter and Chasing Spring
We’re one week away from spring and the skies shift from snow to sun nearly every day. This is the time of year when I desperately hope for a huge snowstorm because I know winter will soon melt into spring and chances for snowy camera walks will soon disappear. At the same time, I am readyContinue reading “Wishing for Winter and Chasing Spring”
Winter Sun and Skiing
It’s not very easy to photograph while cross-country skiing – I normally end up with very candid shots like below. I am not the most graceful of skiers on a good day and Norway is not a very flat country… But on a good note, the days are slowly growing longer. The top photo (inContinue reading “Winter Sun and Skiing”
Seeking Snow
Ah, winter! Time to get out in the white wilderness and enjoy cold and snow. There’s just one problem: Not so much white stuff down here in the lowlands. But if you travel far enough in distance (or high enough in altitude) you can find enough snow to make it worth your while. And youContinue reading “Seeking Snow”
A walkabout
It’s been a while since the last long hike, but I have been out with my camera. It’s completely normal for my husband and I to walk 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) when we ‘just need to get out of the house for some sunshine’. Even grey days are worth wandering around with your pocket camera: Keep yourContinue reading “A walkabout”
Sunrise, Sunset: Swiftly Flow the Days
A sunny ending to the most recent exciting mountain hiking adventure – autumnal sunset at Lysefjord in Rogaland, Norway. The sun doesn’t rise very high in the skies these days nor does it stay out very long, so we must enjoy it while we can. We took the ferry from here to Stavanger for a weekend of rehabilitation intoContinue reading “Sunrise, Sunset: Swiftly Flow the Days”
Season of Change
Autumn is my favourite season: Leaves are changing colour, farmers are harvesting the fruits of their labour, and it’s a fine time to wander around this lovely planet. There isn’t much competition for trail space or cabin bunks and the weather can be beautifully sunny. How about some adventuring in the Norwegian mountains with your best friend? Just checkContinue reading “Season of Change”
Norwegian Milestone
Time sure flies when you are having fun, and this marks one year in Norway. Many kilometers/miles/mil have been hiked, much Norwegian has been learned, and loads of outdoor gear has been purchased. I’ll be out on the trails with my favourite travelling partner again soon, when we take three weeks to explore a newContinue reading “Norwegian Milestone”
Coastal Norway in Summer
Summer in Norway is a beautiful thing, and summer on the coast is even better. A recent trip to Son, just south of Oslo, provided warm weather and admirable scenery. It reminds me of coastal Maine in the USA, a place of happy memories. Son is an old harbour town with beautiful wood (sail)boats thatContinue reading “Coastal Norway in Summer”
Neverending sunset
An opportunity to wander about in Dovrefjell is not to be missed. Scrambling up rock fields in the mountains of Norway is a great way to stay young at heart. You might even be rewarded with some muskox sightings for your efforts, at the cost of some snow-field and stream crossings. It’s easy to capture sunset photosContinue reading “Neverending sunset”
Summertime, and the living’s easy
Ah, how I have missed a good thunderstorm. On my walk home today I was drenched by big, fat, lazy rain (and less-lazy hail, but such is life). It’s a joy to open the windows and listen to the rumbling of a local thunderstorm and then wander through the woods at sunset. The sun doesn’tContinue reading “Summertime, and the living’s easy”
And it’s still here
Here’s the view out our window on this fine late April day. A fine day, indeed. I’ll take snow over rain, thank-you-very-much, and a cold spring often brings a warm summer, or so I hear. Here’s hoping for loads of snow and then loads of summery sun. Living in a place with four proper seasonsContinue reading “And it’s still here”
Winter has come!
Winter is here! After three years without snow, a return to a winter wonderland is greatly appreciated. Time to go adventuring in the forest. Being surrounded by snowy trees in stillness is a great way to collect my thoughts and breathe in some fresh air. Thank you, Norway. Looking forward to many hours out hereContinue reading “Winter has come!”
Autumn in Norway
How to properly start life in your new country: Take three weeks and hike north from Oslo through Norway for 430 kilometers (268 miles). Best if done with your best friend. It will be well worth it, and you will learn many things. There is something so freeing about walking all day and collapsing onceContinue reading “Autumn in Norway”
The greens of Ireland
Some good friends gave me an excellent excuse to escape real life for a few days. Ireland is beautiful: Castles, rainbows, and the water of life – uisce beatha – and so many green hillsides. This is a view from the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry along the coastal path. Get there if you can.
Summertime in Norway
Back from two fantastic weeks in Norway this June, hiking, camping, and taking the train between Oslo and Bergen: Here’s a photo from the heights above Flåm and Aurlandsfjord. Norway is a beautiful place, and it will certainly keep you in shape if you want to explore it by foot.
It’s time for adventure
I’m looking forward to a two-week trip to Norway, and it might lead to something big: Photos to follow. Until then, enjoy the view from the Southwest Coastal Path near Weymouth. It’s beautiful (on a sunny day) and this view of Ringstead Bay is worth the walk. Be sure to visit White Nothe in theContinue reading “It’s time for adventure”
Outspoken Images by Marie Warner Preston 