I've been asked a few times, when I paint night scenes, was I feeling dark? Depressed? Unhappy? My answer is always the same. I ask, do you enjoy the moonlight? How about the sparkling light on the night waters? Do you peer into the deep woods at night from your car as you drive and wonder what is in there? Is there a wolf? Is there a bear? Is it safe?
I think everyone experiences the woods at night in different ways, but for certain, those who love the woods most likely also love the woods at night, especially near the waters edge. I am certainly one of them.
Recently I was on Meech Lake in Gatineau Park and we paddled across just after dark. Before we struck a fire pit we took time to absorb the moodiness of the night reflections on the water. It was enveloping! Wonderful! Deep! I didn't want the moment to end.
So here I paint a night scene, it is in praise of those moments by the waters edge. At night.
RM