The Creation of Solitude

Solitude, an acrylic painting I created a few years ago, invites you into a serene, abstract landscape where water and sky gently merge. Measuring 36 by 36 inches, this piece is built from layered textures and cool hues—soft blues, grays, whispers of white and yellow—evoking a quiet marshland at the water’s edge. Inspired by my childhood along Florida’s east coast, it captures the peaceful essence of being near a body of water, whether lake, river, or pond. Through blurred shapes and flowing strokes, I aimed to convey a tranquil atmosphere that encourages reflection and calm, embodying the gentle rhythm of nature’s still moments.

Abstract landscape painting by Rene Griffith–Solitude

As a working professional artist, I spend many hours in my studio alone. Often, in the silence, I am reflecting on my life and thinking about my childhood growing up with 7 brothers and sisters. In our house you could always hear people talking, arguing, singing, laughing and basically scurrying around the many bedrooms making noise. There was no such thing as silence, much less solitude.

Finished painting: Solitude

Solitude found its way to Jacksonville, Florida, when a high school friend of my sister purchased it to hang in her home as she was recovering from surgery. Upon delivery, she wrote to tell me "we just love the painting and have found the perfect spot for it." I can't wait to visit someday to see Solitude in her new home. This painting had a lot of my heart and soul and I hope you can feel it too!

Want to see more of my travels, artwork, and photography? Then please sign up to my VIP list to receive a notification when I post a new blog.