Winter in Summer

With my landscape work, I tend to lag behind the calendar season by the time I get around to exploring my source material in my studio. This most recent work, Winter Pines – Frosted, is an example of this typical delay.

Winter Pines, Frosted – 16 x 24 original pastel.

I caught the inspiration for this work during what seemed like the one and only day of snow cover this past January during a beautiful sundown hike in Pennsylvania’s Black Moshannon State Park. I was drawn to this subject because of the quiet warm / cool contrast throughout the composition. In addition, I’m intrigued by the graceful flow of these pine trees. They’re just very tranquil, reaching out into the expanse of the sky behind.

It’s been a busy time since I last posted. I attended an excellent painting workshop taught by Pennsylvania oil painter Peter Fiore last month and I think the influence of that workshop is already reflected in this new artwork. I also visited Boston, Massachusetts for the first time. You’ll see some of that city reflected in my future cityscapes.

Unfortunately, I’ve managed to tear my calf muscle this month. Very painful and not recommended! I’m currently on crutches and hobbling around in a “walking boot” that rivals Iron Man’s garb for sheer bulk and industrial appearance. It’s going to be a few weeks before I can walk again, and this is severely affecting my artistic output. But I’m chipping away at things to prepare for a very busy fall season. Stay tuned for more updates.