Solitary oak tree standing gracefully against the glowing backdrop of a emerald morning sky | Fluid brushstrokes highlight the interplay between shadowy branches and the golden light beyond | Vibrant greens and yellows create a lively foreground | Delicate, soft purple trees in the distance | Painterly brushwork emphasizes energy of the plein air moment.
Reflections | When I go to paint at one of my favorite stretches of forest, I always pass by this old oak tree. This particular morning in January was a chilly, but very bright day. The oak tree became a familiar sight over time, but this day it had to be painted. I set up my easel toward the sunlight, turning the tree into a strong silhouette surrounded by an intense bright atmosphere of warm light, broken up by scattered patches of frost, still remaining from the night. The scene asked for an expressive approach with vibrant colors. An emerald green sky and bright yellow grass, contrasting with blue and red tones of melting ice and soil.
