The fourth painting in my series of 20 First Dates features a summertime woodland subject from the Pine
Ridge Falls hiking trail in northeast Tennessee. I don't know about
you, but when I get stressed out the best remedy is the great outdoors
(and a pint of chocolate ice cream). As we've all dealt with new
challenges this year, the ability to get outside and hike has never been
more important for me. I discovered this gorgeous moment during a mild
June afternoon.
When I first began my career as an artist, I was intimidated by the
prospect of painting water, whether it was in my landscapes or my
cityscapes. It just seemed like it would be difficult. But after years
of practice and various subjects, what I've discovered is that I love
the myriad colors and movement within water. It takes on an abstract
quality for me, as you can see in the detail view shown here. I enjoy playing
with its form and energy and it's why I'll often feature it within
interior woodland subjects like this.
