Homage To An Apple Grower

I recently ran into an old friend of mine who is a wonderfully dedicated fruit grower. He just might be the hardest working guy I know.  For part of the year! He has hundreds of trees on the east shore of Flathead Lake just south of my studio. I mentioned that I’d done a painting of his orchard. He mentioned that he didn’t know that. So I thought I’d post a picture.

I was taken with the simple complementary colors of the scene. Red against green. Always effective. There you go Dan! What do you think? 

Let's keep in touch,

Marshall

Less Is More (Sometimes)

Sometimes a simple, highly abstract depiction of the landscape resonates for me. In this painting I feel a less literal approach to the subject captures the spirit of the place better than a more highly detailed version could.  This tells the story effectively, nothing more required.

I know from years of art making experience that I can paint the life out of a picture effortlessly! The challenge is working only until the art speaks. First to me, and then, hopefully, to the viewer. The tricky question is when to quit.

Let's keep in touch,

Marshall

Inspiration

When I travel I tend to repeatedly visit locations where inspiration has found me! One of my favorites is this lovely spot along the San Miguel River just at the end of Colorado Avenue in downtown Telluride. For this recently completed commission I was asked to try working in uncharacteristically (for me) dark tones. As I began painting the aspen foliage it occurred to me that it would be interesting to think in terms of complementary colors while working out the color composition.

I try to pay attention to those nudges of inspiration that come to me as I’m working. And so, instead of a more literal depiction of aspen leaves in shades of yellow-green, green, and blue-green I loaded my brush with shades of red-violet, red, and red-orange. This is definitely working for me. What do you think?

Let's keep in touch,

Marshall