How to Paint Trees and Light

How to Paint Trees and Light

The inspiration for this painting came from a location just a five minute drive from my art studio in Queenstown, New Zealand where I live. I happened to be driving through the valley one evening when I noticed the evening sun shining through the willow trees. Given it was spring and there was fresh foliage on the trees, the different hues of greens where really vibrant. I pulled over at the side of the road and took some photos. The idea for a painting was born!

How to Paint Trees and Foliage

How to Paint Trees and Foliage

This painting was inspired by an area called Dalefield which is located in the Wakatipu Basin, just outside of Queenstown, New Zealand. I frequently come to this area to paint as there are so many subjects to capture on canvas including trees, fields, mountains and animals.

I came here to paint in March the day after we’d had a cold spell of weather that left snow on the mountains. Given that New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed and so February is a summer month. Anyway I thought it would make for an interesting painting with trees and fields juxtaposed against some snowy mountains.