“Front Lit Lindens” is my first on site painting this year and that is a wonderful feeling. I should get out in all seasons and in all kinds of weather and have made a commitment to myself to do that this year. If I intend to spend my life painting nature from nature then I must be open to whatever nature has to offer be it sun, wind, rain, snow…locusts!

That being said, this past Sunday was one of the most glorious days that I can remember. Nature presented no challenges on this day, only bright sun and perfect temperatures with just a hint of a cool breeze. I drove the short distance from my house to The Planting Fields Arboretum which is one of my local default places to paint. After only a brief scouting walk I settled on this view. I was just amazed by the contrast of the warm gray tree trunks looming out of the grayish green foliage behind them compared to the brilliant, glowing carpet of yellow wildflowers.