“Oh, that would make a beautiful painting,” are words I mutter to myself often when I’m out walking in nature. Then, lifting my camera, I pause mid-stride to capture the scene.
Later in the studio I edit the photo, cropping it to a pleasing composition. I make some rough sketches to determine whether it’s indeed a good subject, seeing whether the balance of dark and light values create an interesting pattern across the surface, whether the palette will excite the eye.
When I came across this scene, I knew it would make it to my easel in short time. The path leading through the tree canopy invites the viewer into the painting and toward the focal point: the beautiful blue sky seen through the archway. We can almost feel the warmth of the late afternoon sun in the way the dappled light falls on the branches and leaves. And, the circular composition created by the arched tree limb, cascading leaves, and splashes of sunlight on the ground guides the viewer’s eye around the picture in a circular motion, keeping it within the painting, never traveling outside the edges. The round shape of the painting itself further accentuates the compositional harmony.
This painting, "Dappled Light," 4.5 x 4.5" oil on wood board, will be part of my collection of landscapes available Thursday, October 19th. Join my mailing list for a preview email and early access to shop the collection.
