Evolution of a Work - "Coming of Spring - Golden Evening Light"

Alice Kelsey painting field sketch for 'Coming of Spring - Golden Evening Light'

I was inspired to dash out with oil paints to our upper field on a spring evening when the horizontal golden light lit up the edge of the woods and a strip of the field.  I worked quickly to get some of it on a field sketch (see below).  The light was changing so quickly that the most helpful part of this process was being there engaging with it, not trying to instantly create a finished image. 

Original field sketch, 'Coming of Spring - Golden Evening Light"

From the field sketch, and mostly my memories and enthusiasm for being there, I created a larger in-studio version.  The large scale of the finished work seemed called for with the feeling of the scene.  I also like the changing of the day (into evening) and of the season (winter to spring) going on in this scene, and how the loose strokes helped convey that strong mood.

Completed painting 'Coming of Spring - Golden Evening Light" by Alice Kelsey.  Oil on Canvas  20" X 30"

This finished work is now at the Longwood Gallery in Kennett Square, in a beautiful gold frame, all ready for tomorrow's opening reception (September 7, 2012, 6 to 9 pm).  It is very satisfying for me to reflect on the journey from field to gallery, and to have an opportunity to show a body of my recent work as a featured artist this month at the Longwood Gallery.  The show runs through September 29, 2012.