Winter Light in Huber Woods

Welcome back to the studio. After a heavy snowstorm here on the East Coast last weekend, I was inspired by a hike through Huber Woods, which became the starting point for this painting.

Painting from nature is never static. Even when you return to the same subject from the same viewpoint, it changes with the weather, the time of day, and the season. That constant variation is what keeps the process interesting.

In this painting, the tree shadows play as strong a role as the trees themselves. Observing and questioning those shadows—their color, temperature, and value—is a big part of learning how to see as a painter. In this episode, I focus on capturing that specific moment in winter light.

I’ll be painting on a small panel, measuring 5 ¾ by 7 inches. Working at this scale encourages a more relaxed, direct approach. If a painting starts to fall apart, set it aside and begin another. You can always return to it once the paint has dried.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next week.