Saturday, March 8, 2014

Pillows of Snow and Under the Apple Tree


Pillows of Snow, 8x10 (click on image to enlarge)
Plowed snow formed pillows on the blanket of snow around these South Glastonbury tobacco sheds.    Warming air provided some nice atmospheric effect.  The blue sky reflecting off the snow, infusing violet into the red barns.


Under the Apple Tree, 12x16 (click on image to enlarge)
The arc of this snow-covered tree limb perfectly framed the farmhouse across the field.  It took a while to get this painting done.  When I noticed that the moon had risen over my left shoulder and street lights were coming on, I realized it was time to pack it in.  

I think it sometimes takes a bit of obsessive compulsiveness to stick with a painting.  Often, a painting gets off to a good start.  Then problems have to be solved, and there can be a period of frustration and distress.  But, provided that the composition is strong, generally it is good to stick with it until the multitude of challenges are resolved -- sometimes until the absence of daylight compels calling it quits.