End of Autumn

THIS PAINTING came about in a spontaneous rush many years ago in an attempt to use up old house paint samples. I painted quickly to paint the negative space sky over the positive space branches, which gave it the ethereal, fade-in-and-out appearance.

I’ve always loved this picture because it surprised me to see the colors blend together into one living whole. The tree became part of the sky, and the sky a part of the tree. The last lingering amber leaves and frost-tipped branches marry autumn and winter with one gust. The old knarled branches contrast with the lace of smaller, delicate twigs.

This painting illustrates the change of seasons with an aged and deeply rooted trunk. The unseen roots hold it fast until spring arrives with new life. Like autumn leaves, we often cling desperately to our perceived security, only to finally fall with the first winter storm. Yet, the hint of beauty in the silvery frost on lifeless limbs reminds us of another beauty in the months ahead.

Each season brings its own adornment and we watch in wonder as Creator dons the trees with the lushness of green foliage, only to set it on fire with autumn, blanket it in the silvery frost of winter, and adorn it with spring blossoms. Our life seasons change as well, and we do well, to see the beauty that arrives with each transition.