Winter Aspen Studies

"Winter Aspen Study 1"

"Winter Aspen Study 2"

"Winter Aspen Study 3"

I failed to take any photos as I was painting these 3 aspen studies.  But, as you can see, in the first study the sky is somewhat flat with no direct sun.  The 2 evergreens in the foreground are dark which makes them feel close up.  The two in the back are smaller and faded out which gives them the appearance of being in the distance.

In the second study, there is light coming from the right as indicated by the warm glow in the sky and on the snow.  The focal point of the painting is the large aspen in the foreground so you see more definition.  Distance is indicated by each of the other trees being less defined and smaller than the focal point tree.

In the third study, there are more indications of distance.  The line or path in the snow takes the eye back into the depths of the scene.  As you travel you notice the trees becoming less defined and smaller and finally the mountains are faded  and vaguely depicted.  The shadows indicate the direction of the light and the variations in the terrain.