The painting was inspired by a walk around our Wisconsin lakefront property. I wanted to communicate the unexpected rush of joy that gripped me that day, and to remind the viewer of their own joy in experiencing nature.

Of course there was the visual aspect: the way sunlight highlighted the branch of oak leaves where it crossed the white bark of birch trees. Then there was the suggestion of movement; the trees in a light breeze and the birds taking flight in the distance. Finally there was the impression of sound; the rustling of the dry leaves and the rasping calls of the crows. For me, the painting evokes the sensations of being immersed in the northwoods on that crisp fall day.

I began the work with a technique of masking and pouring liquified watercolor in layers. As the scene developed, I began using brushes in a more traditional manor, building darks and lifting lighter shapes.