winter apple tree

[acadianartist]

First year I attempt plein air in winter - thanks for the inspiration Michael Chesley Johnson! - and so, had to switch from acrylic to oil. This is about my 7th oil painting (mostly 7X9s). I started with oils like 20 years ago, then switched to acrylics. I think my technique with oil is improving, but I still feel like I'm overworking the painting just a little too much. Did this one almost entirely outside in one sitting (just a little touching up indoors). C &C welcome!

[brianc]

Chantal,

Welcome to PA forum. That is one splendid portrait of a tree. The low branches and light on the bark really define it. I feel I see all the branches, yet I suspect you did not draw them all. Super work!

Hope to see more of your work.

[acadianartist]

Thanks brianc! I am thrilled to have found this forum and look forward to sharing my work and enjoying the work of others.

[annabella2]

Great trees! They look like an orchard. Suggestion- maybe cool and grey down the background a little, to separate it more from the foreground? Just a thought. I really admire anyone who will actually go out in the wet cold white stuff and paint!

[acadianartist]

Thanks for your comments Annabella. Not an orchard, just a bunch of apple trees gone wild and overgrown in my side yard. They will be spectacular in about two months. I agree about the background. I often find there isn't enough contrast between background and foreground in my paintings. Something I want to work on. That and shadows. Lucky for me this was mostly an overcast day.

[alaskan rose]

Nice work! Great trees!

[skipstah70]

very nice loose edged feel in this one. Great work on the snow and tree branches.

Mike

[Julianne]

Nicely done, I like the brushwork.