After the Storm

After the Storm

21" x 28"
Oil on sandeply panel

[click on the image to enlarge]

There is a peaceful wonderful quality about the calm morning after a night of winter's snow.
The combination of very cold and the clear, bright sunlight is enchanting. The values from almost black to bright 'warm' white in the snow is dramatic. Another contrast is between the sharp edges and the soft snow.

This contrast is also highlighted by the very warm red oxide branches in the center and the cooler greens of the conifers.

There is also a bit of intimacy in the close setting [the observer is very near to the scene] yet it also has an open vista in the background
I worked in a larger size to get more 'volume' and detail into the painting.

It is also a metaphor of life in that we must have opposites to appreciate and enjoy the beauty and wonder of being here on earth.

Autumn Reflections

Autumn Reflections

18" x 24"
Oil paint on Canvas
[click on the image to enlarge]

This painting combines so many wonderful elements of being outside during the autumn season. The weather is cool and you know by the fall leaves and the mature grass and weeds that the growing season is closing, now is the time to enjoy glorious October.

I enjoyed this painting for the extensive water and reflection opportunities. It is full of 'little' elements that hopefully add toward the strong central focus.

Good landscape paintings always have multiple secondary interest centers.

If you are getting tired of seeing water paintings, then you will be pleased to know that the current work on my easel has none. [Don't get too complacent though because I do have another one in the planning stage]