SOULFUL

WINTER HAYFIELD

This painting is inspired by a snowy walk in winter in the midwest.  I love walking after a snowfall because all sound is muffled and the landscape is quiet and soulful.  These hay bales were resting in the field and had snow covered hats.  They reminded me of Frosted Mini Wheats cereal.   

The blues of the shadows were tough.  Getting the value right was the most challenging.  Because it was early evening, the sky still had a fair amount of light in it,  but the field was darkening.   I lightened the sky and background trees twice before I felt like it read right.

This is not one of those paintings that catches your eye because of contrast in light and shadow, but a subtle painting that depends on finessing the values to make it feel moody. I think I got it right.

ENJOY!!