I was inspired by the geometric graphic design quality of this view. The foreground was contained in a perfect rectangle. The curve and the rise of the right-hand hill suggested animate forms. The tree line acts as a visual barrier keeping the viewer in the scene. The long shadows on the hill seem to hold the ground in place as belies a warmth that wasn’t to be found on that early winter afternoon.
This landscape painting was kept deliberately simple to amplify the graphic design of the elements but also to set the tone for the time of year by having clearly lit cold skies. The skies were contrasted against the land forms in color and intensity.
Having a cell phone with a good camera has enabled me to capture scenes when I least expect it, drastically cutting down on the moments where I find myself saying, If only I had my camera! This happy accident occurred when I turned from what I was doing and noticed this beautiful view right in front of me.