Early Spring on the Patuxtent River

Early Spring on the Patuxtent River, oils on canvas panel, 11" x 14."
SOLD

After several days of rain, yesterday was a beautiful,warm, sunny day. I headed down to one of my favorite places to paint--the McKeldin area of Patuxtent State Park. I love this stretch of the river just below the rapids, the gentle curve of the river and the unusual rock formations on the hillsides. There was only one other person there, a young man with two dogs who were having a great time playing in the water.

Last year I did two paintings at this same spot: one in September which sold within a couple of weeks, and another in October at the peak of color one lovely fall afternoon. I thought it would be interesting to document the same site at a different time of the year, and observe how the landscape changes with the seasons.

At this time of the year tender green shoots are emerging from the branches of some trees, bits of green are noticeable on the forest floor where spring beauties and wild violets bloom. Yet the bones of the forest--the tree trunks and hillsides- are still the main features. I took more time with my painting than I intended, stopping for a long chat with a couple from Ellicott City who were hiking the trail.  I ended up staying 'til mid-afternoon, intoxicated by spring fever.