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. 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)