TM9393 Stopping by the Woods 30×36 oil on panel

When there isn’t any wind, fresh snow can cling to trees for days. Our last snowstorm provided one of these extended displays, with a delicate coating of white snow over everything. I studied the effects all week, from a bright morning, through sun, to the early shadows of December afternoons. Eventually, branches reached by sun emerged from their winter coats, but the understory kept its traceries of blue/gray and white. I loved the contrast of neutral shadows tinged with colorful sunlight. I’m beginning to think those arbitrary shadow lines, so evident in northern latitudes in winter, are one of nature’s most delight conditions to paint. I may have to start another! Enjoy.