Shadow Crossing - winter landscape

original oil landscape painting - snow - winter landscape - 9x12

Next in the Impressions of Winter series is this painting, which is based on a series of photos taken last year when I was on my way up to Flagstaff to visit friends during my AZ winter stay.    In a recent post, I included a link to the pastel "Winter Stream" I did last year, also based on the same area.

This is what I'd describe as an "intimate" landscape, one that focuses on a discreet element of the land.  I was drawn to the organic shape of this small section of open stream, its reflections, and the colors, curves and shapes cast from an unseen ponderosa pine across the untouched banks of snow.  A nearby tree line marks the end of this mountain meadow that this stream traverses.  

Shadow Crossing 

9x12 - oil on board

I had it mostly finished last night, save for the top section of trees, which I finished this morning.  This was another one of those paintings where I wasn't sure it was going to work, but after pushing the paint around and continued finessing of various areas, it came together, and I can honestly say I'm quite pleased with it, especially since it's the first time I've done water reflections in oils.  

On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to take a minute and give a huge THANK YOU to those of you (and you know who you are ;) ) who have been so kind to link my blog on yours.  Seriously, it means a lot to me.  I wouldn't have known about half the wonderful art blogs I follow had it not been for links other bloggers have, which is one reason I enjoy having links to your work and others on my blog.  Thanks again - you all are the best!