Kevin M. Haller
American Artist
<< Painting Journal 2010 Next >>
Cliff Cave County Park (View location of my easel)
February 28--9am
"Cottonwoods on the Banks of the Mississippi River, Winter"
Oil     11x14
Summary of Place:
Nature is supersized at the Mississippi River.  That was very evident on this winter day at Cliff Cave Park.  The mighty river is wider than one could ever imagine. Its bottom stretches twice as far.  Likewise, from this flat landscape, the sky is huge.  All that is super in size is not horizontal, however.  Cottonwoods grow to extreme height in the fertile landscape. 
Inspiration and Design:
My goal for this painting was to evoke the feeling of Cottonwoods on the banks of the Mississippi River in winter.  To make this statement, I emphasized their massive size in the design.  The leftmost tree extends to the canvas edge to imply extreme girth.  Further, I depicted an endless quality to the river.