Vibrancy

Winter Melody

16x20

At this time last year, i was hunkered down painting still life's with intense studies of colors, values, shapes and compositions. This Winter i have found myself drawn to nature with the intent of having the uncomfortable cold and wet show up in my work, and some interesting things are occurring.

First, due to atmospheric conditions, i am finding such wonderful colors that work together in a more harmonious way as opposed to the intense lights and darks of summer. I have limited my palette to only four colors (Ultramarine, Alizarin, Burnt Sienna, Cad. Yel. Lt.) and white. But, most importantly, i see a vibrancy showing up that i don't think was there three weeks ago. To me, the subjects are coming to life and shimmering on the panel in such a way that is inspiring and exciting.

Even though i painted this one in the studio, i used similar colors and values from a recent painting i did in the field that elicited the same vibrant results. And, i think that my Winter studies are taking me in the direction i was hoping for..... to show the life, truth, inspiration, and depth of what is right in front of us with the moody natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.