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Back in the Woods

       So it's the end of October, the air is chill and there's a fire in my woodstove. These are three good reasons why I find myself spending more time in the studio. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to do other than be in the studio. It's just that, when I have to take the time to get a fire going in the Jotul, it makes me feel more committed to being out there. I mean, why waste the wood heat? 

So now I'm returning to where I left off, as far as my art, and my "Of the Woods" series. 

      When I was doing my summer shows, I was showing the series "Of the Woods". I was so surprised at the unexpected interest in some of the pieces. One of them, entitled "The Winter Woods" is a collage inspired by what I see when I look out my studio window in the winter.


     I wondered at first what the appeal is with this piece. After all, in the winter, the woods is muted and quiet while the earth sleeps. It's not demanding and doesn't shout. 

     Honestly, I believe that is precisely what attracts people to the piece. It's muted and quiet. It doesn't shout, or demand attention. It simply provides a place of solace. When I painted it in early winter, I just wanted to express the quiet beauty of the walnut grove outside the studio. 

      Recently I had a conversation with a friend who is from Indiana but residing in Florida. He would love to move to Indiana but at this stage of life it is highly unlikely. He told me that he used to have a long list of all the reasons he hated Indiana. One reason was that in December and January it is freezing cold. The thing is, that is the only reason he could now remember from his long list! 

      So this is the season for muted color and quietness, which is still the description of my art. I am looking forward to much time in the studio, by the wood stove, re-visiting the woods. 

This original piece, Winter Woods, is available now in the shop. 

I'm also considering having prints made. What do you think? Would you be interested in a print? Feel free to comment below. 

There is new work in progress, but it will be revealed all in due time.


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