Gouache sketchbook painting of cows inspired by neighbor’s cattle, capturing their gentle presence in a rural Wisconsin setting.

How Nature Sparked My Artistic Voice

When we first moved to the U.S. from Seoul, Korea in 2021, I never imagined that a small, quiet town in Wisconsin would completely transform my life and my art. I was a city girl through and through, always chasing deadlines and dreams. But in the middle of trees, birdsong, and muddy little adventures with my toddler, I finally found something I didn’t even know I was missing: peace. And that peace changed everything. 

Gouache studies of an American kestrel in a sketchbook, capturing the bird’s distinct markings and graceful form.Gouache studies of fallen oak leaves painted in a sketchbook, showing warm autumn tones and natural textures.
Sketchbook gouache studies of a kestrel (L) and fallen oak leaves (R)
Sketchbook pen drawings of wildflowers, featuring fine line work and natural botanical details.Sketchbook pen drawings of wildflowers and dragonflies, with fine line details capturing their delicate forms.
Pen drawings of wildflowers (L) and dragonflies (R)

My husband, our son, and I moved into my mother-in-law’s house where my husband grew up. It’s in the Wisconsin countryside, surrounded by trees, open fields, and so many birds and animals. We lived there for a couple of years after moving from Korea, while we were settling into our new life.

That’s where it all started, my nature-inspired art.

Until then, I had lived my whole life in the city. I was always busy studying, working, pushing forward. I never had the time or space to pause and ask myself what I really loved or who I really was. But in Wisconsin, things were different. Slower. Quieter.

Photo of neighbor’s cows grazing in a sunny field, surrounded by trees in the Wisconsin countryside.Gouache sketchbook painting of cows inspired by neighbor’s cattle, capturing their gentle presence in a rural Wisconsin setting.
Our neighbor’s cows became unexpected muses. Gouache on sketchbook
A seasonal display on a desk featuring autumn foliage, a pear, and an apple capturing the colors and textures of fall.Color pencil drawing of autumn leaves in a sketchbook, showcasing seasonal colors and delicate textures.
Autumn leaves: color pencil drawing in my sketchbook

With our little boy, we spent our days playing in the dirt, exploring trails, and just being outside, living in nature, not just looking at it. Those moments were simple but powerful. I realized how much I love tranquility, observing the seasons, and being close to the natural world.

That love started to pour into my paintings. Birds, flowers, landscapes, and the quiet beauty I had just begun to see.

harvesting-pears-sunleeGouache sketchbook studies featuring garden pears, a butterfly, and a small bird capturing delicate details from nature.
Gouache sketchbook studies of garden pears, a butterfly, and a bird

Looking back, I’m so grateful for that time in the countryside. It changed me in a way I didn’t expect. Nature gently opened a new door in my creative life, and I’ve been walking through it ever since. Even now, living in a Minnesota suburb with a little less wilderness at our doorstep, I still carry that calm with me. We find pockets of nature on nearby trails, and whenever we miss the wide-open fields, we make the short drive back to Wisconsin. Each visit reminds me why I paint: to hold on to those quiet, gentle moments and share their beauty with others.

A handpicked bouquet of wildflowers in soft, natural colors, arranged casually and full of seasonal charm.Sun Lee standing next to tall blooming sunflowers, smiling on a sunny day in the countryside.
Walking trail

If you’d like to see more of my nature-inspired pieces, feel free to explore my shop or join my newsletter for new art and behind-the-scenes sketches land there first.

Art Supplies that I used 

Many of you have asked what materials I use for painting, so here are some of my favorite tools from this post:

Note: These are products I use and love. all the links are affiliate links, which help support my work at no extra cost to you.

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