In Search of Depth

December

9x12

If we've heard it once, we've heard it a million times, timing is everything, and it holds true for my most recent work. I made the short trip to the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, just off Andresen and 18th in Vancouver,WA. I have thought of painting there, but usually on a casual level and now i have a serious reason.....fog.

Most of the trees have shed their leaves to reveal their most interesting skeletons of beauty. Add in an early morning, fog, and some depth of field and Whoa, look out. All the makings for some great and interesting subjects to paint. So long as you can stand, like a popcicle in one spot for a few hours on a chilly morning.

Story Tree

8x6

One of my main goals in painting is give the viewer a soulful experience. This is something the late 19th century Russian painters were masters at, and they told amazing stories with their work. Not that they had a corner on the market, many great painters have told stories with their work, but i tend to gravitate to the Russian style of painting and subject matter. Much of their work was of subjects that, at first glance, you might not think would make a for good painting. But they had a knack for painting the truth about a subject in a very deep, soulful and meaningful way. And though my eyes, heart, and soul do i strive to push the pile forward.

I think that seeing the raw, beautiful, and honest shapes of trees with leaves aground on a gray and foggy day can be a moving experience; and oooooh, i can't wait to do the nocturne.

One only needs to stop, look, and listen to the thundering silence of nature.