Ken Elliott

Soft Yellow Forest
oil
40 x 40 in
$5,600
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“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
John Muir

Is that what this forest scene depicts? While creating this work, numerous thoughts came through. Foremost was the idea to create a place of light and depth.

In the months that followed, change was in everything around me. Some was profoundly punitive but overwhelmed by the love and kindness of friends. I was not in my home, but in a converted studio space, graciously offered. The oil was begun just after the virus was announced as a national emergency.

It was also time when many close friends suddenly became aware of their serious illnesses and we gathered together and helped each other. The painting became softer and more trees were added.

All of this happened in the background. It’s only when I look back that I can see the parallels between those events and this painting. As the oil moved to completion, the blue trunks took a position in front of the reds and the light became more luminous, creating a peaceful shrine and a continuous place of comfort.

I recall what someone wrote, “You can trust the trees.”