April in the Woods

A couple of recent paintings, enjoying and exploring the subtleties of April in the woods.

April 13, 2017. 6 x 8 inch, plein air, oil on linen/birch

The first was done on a north-facing side of the bluff. The trees grow tall out of the steep hillside, and large, moss-covered boulders mark the landscape. Delicate hepatica flowers bloom among last year's fallen leaves.

April 17, 2017. 10 x 8 inch, plein air, oil on linen/birch

 A few days later.

This spot is on the western end of the same bluff, and already the low-growing shrubs and bushes were leafing out, making a soft green haze over the forest floor. I loved working out how to convey the differing hues and textures of the spring-green foliage, and the thick clinging moss that grows on some of these old poplar trees.

Spring Greens and Sawdust

I went out to paint today, and after wandering around for awhile, and hunting morel mushrooms with my brother, I set up where the woods has been recently logged. The breeze was fragrant with the scents of wildflowers, all the spicy woodsy smells of spring, and cut wood.

Spring Greens and Sawdust, 12 x 9 inch plein air oil on linen/hardboard.

Maple on the Marsh Trail

Maple on the Marsh Trail, 10" x 8" plein air oil on stretched linen.

Warm and breezy day in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Myrick Park marsh trails were busy with people enjoying the day, and the water was filled with coots, ducks and noisy geese. This is a view of the footbridge from just past a large grey maple tree.