Details I and II of Dark Pathway

Dark Pathway, 30 x 40 oil on canvas

Often when people see a landscape, they believe there is little more there than what meets the eye. However, everything I paint, especially those works that have no plein air or photographic reference, stem from some area of my brain. For this painting, when I approached the blank canvas, I didn't have a clear idea in mind of what I would lay down. As typical, I drew a few horizon lines in pencil and began applying paint. Getting lost in the colors and shadows, the world around me disappears for awhile, and I know that whatever the resulting painting evolves to be, I have left a bit of myself in the work.

I am frequently asked "what inspires you?" I could site some philosophical or aesthetic thought process, however, it's very simple. I am inspired by my surroundings in beautiful Northern Michigan. Day by day, it's never the same, and each season brings it's own form of charismatic enticement. Whether the paintings are representational or not has no bearing. Color, shape and texture protrude from being in awe of the wonderful things our creator has made. After all, He is the greatest artist.

Winter months with alot of time spent indoors should be a good motivator to paint. I intend to turn out some large pieces. I already have one. Will post soon.

Birch With Magenta, 10 x 10 oil on canvas

I liked the idea of adding some brighter foreground colors, and these are some of my favorites. Cadmium reds and permanent rose permeate the foreground and capture the eye. Most of the birch paintings that I do, are done without reference, so they exist nowhere except in my thoughts.