Exploring the Subtle Beauty of Winter's Last Moments and the Promise of Spring in Oil Pastel
Today, I want to share a bit about my latest piece, "Spring Thaw". This artwork is a personal exploration into the serene transition from winter to spring. Using oil pastel on a suede matboard, the image measures 18" x 30." I aimed to capture those fleeting moments when the grip of winter begins to loosen and the world starts breathing with the promise of spring.
“Spring Thaw” by Stephen Henning
In "Spring Thaw", I’ve depicted a frozen but thawing river, perfectly mirroring the bare trees that line its banks. There's a thin veil of snow covering the ground, as if nature is reluctant to shed its last layer of winter. Above, the soft pastel hues of the sky suggest a sunrise just breaking through a lingering fog, adding an ethereal warmth to the composition.
What truly fascinates me about this scene is the delicate dance of light and shadow. It’s a quiet nod to the subtle beauty found in the winter landscape, proving that even in the coldest times, there's softness and tranquility to be admired.
The inspiration behind this creation stems from witnessing the gentle shift into spring. To me, each new day represents a fresh beginning—a metaphoric emergence into warmth and renewal. Bringing this vision to life involved a unique process. By blending soft light with contrasting color palettes, I endeavored to infuse a sense of warmth into this chilly scene, highlighting the often-overlooked cozy aspects of winter.
I hope "Spring Thaw" invites you to pause and appreciate the understated magnificence of seasonal change, encouraging a moment of reflection as we transition into the warmth of spring.