Intensity.

Finally back in the studio. I lost my connection with this painting and took 2 days of minimal work to regain the feel for it. I bought a new color, Naples Yellow Deep, which I love. Love of a color is a risky business, though. It can seduce you into behavior that is totally unbecoming. This work in on a canvas that I had on hand. I'm missing that luxurious feel of oil on board.

Still life drawing for consideration of a Study in Blue with bittersweet.

A quick wash lays out the point of view and composition for me to consider.

We had our first frost a few days ago and it was just beautiful in the morning light. The trees still held onto their fall leaves. The contrast between the bright colors of the trees and the muted tones of the marsh grass was striking.

Added some lighter, more intense leaves to bring some of the bush forward and lead the eye diagonally lower right to upper left and back to upper right. Does it work?

It was satisfying to put the leaves in today. I probably have one more session to add some light leaves that will lead the eye across the two diagonals. I also may rework the large oak leaves, bottom right, to break them apart.