Yellow and Red Forest, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
In the studio
$5700 framed
 
This piece expands on my earlier 24 x 24-inch work, Colored Veils. Every time I start a new canvas, it quickly takes on a life of its own and that was definitely what occurred here.
 
While I initially set out to retain many of the elements I liked in the smaller painting, this larger canvas evolved in another way. As I worked, the composition shifted, evolving into a more abstracted interpretation of the original forest scene.
 
The bold split between the yellows and reds in the composition divides the canvas almost in half, creating a striking contrast without additional tree trunks interrupting the central area. I enjoy the sharp, modern effect of this division—it feels fresh and dynamic. Although I’d like to say this was entirely intentional, in truth I was simply responding to the canvas, finding the best solutions in the moment.