This past month, I’ve been reading through the book "The Life and Works of Thomas Cole", written in 1856. Thomas Cole is generally viewed as the original artist of the Hudson River School. His love and wonder for American natural scenery, in spite of trips to Europe, was very deep. His connection to the intricate facets of forest streams, mountain views, and seacoasts was very personal. I’ve found his outlook about the natural world to be akin to my own and this reinforces my sense of connection to this important group of artists.

I finally completed the painting "Light upon a Forest Stream" and have added it to the "New Pieces" page. I didn't think I'd ever complete this one, but enjoyed the levels of detail and contrasts of lighting.  I also added an image of the painting "Light within the Wave".    Exploring the dynamics of surf on larger canvases puts me right there in the water.

Recently, I completed the painting "Morning Calm" 24x30,  and have added it to the "New Pieces" page. I currently have five paintings underway as I look toward summer weather and have been busy planning new ones. On a trip to Avalon, New Jersey this past spring, I was impressed by a wide range of unusual lighting conditions. These views have already inspired plans for new seascape paintings that I plan to work on in May and June.

I enjoyed a 3-day backpacking trip among the streams and falls of the Allegheny Mts this past month. The region has driven me to contemplate a series of small studies (8x12s and 8x16s) focusing on the water dynamics in forest streams. I’m also re-visiting a couple plans for large paintings of woodland f alls and streams. The increasing emerald greens in the eastern forests are drawing me to explore. I’m looking forward to a number of hiking and backpacking trips for June. I always return from such trips full of ideas and energized to paint.