TM8908 Ode to a Quiet Rain 30×40 oil on panel
A walk in the woods inside a quiet rain – the colors are muted, the air is soft and clean, smelling of pine needles and damp earth. Of course a pair of boots is in order, but the joys are generous. Those are the qualities I wanted in this new interpretation of my favorite woodland. It’s an invitation to ramble and roam, be still and consider. Who knows, you might see the egret, or the ferret. Details below. Enjoy.
TM8908 Ode to a Quiet Rain – detail from center looking beyond trees
TM8908 Ode to a Quiet Rain – detail from center foreground
TM8908 Ode to a Quiet Rain – detail from left side looking into the woods
Technical painting notes: I started the painting by rolling a layer of dark blue/gray/green oil paint onto the surface, purposely trying to leave gaps and be gestural. While the paint was wet, I used a silicone scraper to draw many of the tree branches and trunks, and scumbled solvent onto areas where I wanted texture to suggest foliage. Spatterings of solvent, then loose paint, added to the dense texture. After this first layer was dry, I proceeded to define the negative shapes (sky) and describe the trees more exactly. I used a palette knife to keep the things interesting. Layers of glaze and more palette knife and brush work followed. I wanted a feeling of the native chaos of young woods and at the same time a sense of some order. The openness of the swampy foreground is important for offering a way in, and for opening a slight window to the sky and fields beyond the woods.
Teri Malo Studio 
Very beautiful use of paint.
Thank you Brian. Working on the small oil on paper paintings has changed the way I think about paint – can’t wait to shake up the larger ones…..
It is a nice harmony of the Nature.
Thank you Ludmila.
Lovely painting; thank you for including technical notes. I find that I’m not as free with oils as other mediums. I’m too worried about fat over lean and other structural issues. I’m inspired by your unconventional techniques.
Jeannette
I too think about the technical issues, trying never to go lean over fat. That said, there’s a lot you can do with relative abandon. It’s one reason I work in distinct layers and let each layer dry before proceeding. Whether using a roller, or a brush, or a palette knife, applying the paint is the same. I try to keep the layers thin so there will be uniform drying. Have fun!
I love these!!!!!! I feel the rain … any idea on cost … I live in Canada many thanks Kathy
Hi kathy,
I’m so glad the painting resonates with you. I love rain – the way it feels and smells, and especially the way it makes everything mysterious and otherworldly. Right now the painting is drying at my studio. Eventually it will go to a gallery. My paintings are priced by size. 30×40″ sells for 6300.00, exclusive of any local taxes.
Love the subtle complementary colors and the saturated air. Very lovely.
I missed seeing this last year. Glad I found it today. So beautiful, poetical …