TM9026 When Autumn Weaves Its Own Brocade 36×36 oil on panel

I saw the first signs of red on the swamp maples this week, and I felt invigorated. Autumn might be my favorite season to paint – all that color! And it ranges from flamboyant to extremely subtle. So I decided to try an interpretation that would include both extremes. When Autumn Weaves It Own Brocade presents complex tree reflections woven with pale gold, softened Venetian red, muted olive green, a little pink, and a good dose of Naples yellow and cadmium orange  in the floating leaves. There’s a film of dust and pollen on the water, which softens the effect of the color, but this is autumn,

When I was studying studio art, I took an introductory tapestry weaving class. I loved the tactile rhythm of slipping the yarns in and out of the warp threads. Working on this painting, I found myself remembering those motions, and the incremental development of the design. I also remembered the gorgeous bolts of brocade I used to see at the fabric shops downtown, and decided to let all those memories work their way into the painting, or is it a tapestry? Details below. Enjoy.

TM9026 When Autumn Weaves Its Own Brocade – detail from upper right with reflections and floating leaves

TM9026 When Autumn Weaves Its Own Brocade – detail from lower right quadrant tree reflections and floating leaves

TM9026 When Autumn Weaves Its Own Brocade – detail from lower left