TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again 42×48 oil on panel (third version)

I think it was prophetic, naming this painting Anticipating Spring Again. When I started it in 2018, the title referred to a series of annual woodcuts I used to do, titled Anticipating Spring. It was my way of saluting the end of winter and looking forward to the gentle season of spring each year. Little did I know that this painting would itself become a series. I no longer have a picture of the first version. It was reworked a year later to become the second version. A year can make a huge difference in how one sees a painting, and I realized I could push the painting further. Recently, the second version came back from a gallery, and as I considered it anew, I realized that once again I would have to go back into the painting. I’ve learned so much since last year. Experience told me that I could increase the depth and extend both the the nuances and boldness of the color. My next Anticipating Spring will be on a new panel. Details from the newest version are below (along with the second version).

TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again – detail from lower right with sky through overhanging branches

TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again – detail from upper right with sunlight on young leaves

TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again – detail from left side showing use of soft and hard edges

TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again – detail from low and to the right of center

And the second version of this painting, sitting under the present version…

TM9098 Anticipating Spring Again (second version)