Warmin’ Up

Tree Study 1, Oil on Canvas 8" x 10"

Last week the temperatures moved up into the twenties. In comparison to the weather over the past three or four weeks, it’s a heat wave. Hopefully the worst of the winter weather is behind us. By Wednesday it warmed up enough that I grabbed the camera, my sketchbook and headed out to gather ideas for future works.

Even though my production of paintings has picked up this winter, I was not in need of inspiration. I have plenty of designs in my sketchbook and at my easel which are ready to be painted. In fact, I had an idea for a painting planned for that day. However, during my morning run, I realized that the sun would yield some great shadows, it was going to be warm enough to spend time outside and it seemed a sin to stay couped up inside painting. So I put my painting plans on hold and spent the morning out of the studio. Ah, the life and duties of an artist.

I found some great inspiration along the roads south of town. I also found a snow filled drive at a local forest preserve and was thankful for four wheel drive. Before long, I had several ideas sketched and about four dozen resource photos. I headed back home for lunch and an afternoon of painting.

The painting, Tree Study 1, was painted Wednesday afternoon following that  mornings expedition. I love the abstract design of the tree and the spots still covered with snow.

Field Flow 4, Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"