Sunday, September 27, 2009

Early Spring in Sonoma County

I painted the study for this painting last spring (technically winter, but to me winter means snow). It was probably January or February, one of those rare pleasant winter days between storms where the radiant heat from the sun is instantly missed as it sets at 4:30 in the afternoon. I was actually painting a different view. It was getting late, I was shivering already and packing up to go home. I turned toward the car and this scene in the last of the afternoon light begged to be painted. My study was very rushed, I just tried to get a few color notes, but it was enough. I spotted the study in my pile and decided it was time to paint it up. I started a smaller canvas and by the time I had finished my rough-in I knew I wanted it bigger, so I grabbed a bigger canvas and started over. I'm glad I did, it is my new favorite. 30x24 oil on linen.

2 comments:

Susan Gutting said...

The low, golden light and sheep grazing in the pasture give a feeling of all is right with the world. This is a lovely painting, very rich in imagery. Bless your brushes, Susan

LizzyRae78 said...

I just came across your work/blog while looking for images of beautiful Marin/Sonoma county hillsides in Spring. You have captured these beautifully.