A Fine Season

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

A Fine Season Oil. John Hulsey

There are a few times during the year here when seasonal changes arrive in big, noticeable ways. When that happens, we know to drop everything else and get outside to paint while the opportunity is briefly upon us. Our peak period for autumnal color is happening right now, and we have been out working and enjoying this fine season. Much of our winter studio work is based on our seasonal studies, so it is crucial to get down on canvas or paper as much as we can. We never know here in the Midwest exactly when the peak moment will be. It is often eclipsed when a high wind blows in a cold rain, leaving the leaves mostly gone from the forest canopies. We encourage everyone not to put off these moments thinking that they will always come regular as clockwork.

Our palettes get a hard workout mixing all the wonderful fall colors. We typically use a split primary arrangement—a warm and cool of yellow, red and blue, plus wh…