Silent Meadow 1990

Eyvind Earle made this painting, Silent Meadow, and when I look at this landscape I see the colour green taking over. Earle uses these long shadows like the Earth’s clock is on full display. And even if it is a calm meadow, those long shadows bring a bit of anxiousness to the landscape. I feel like I’m in this silent space with Earle, as he's making these careful decisions. I wonder if he wanted to give me a clear directive for how to feel when I look at this, or just a calm open field? That choice of green, for example, how long did that take to find the right shade? I am constantly reminded that painting is not just about making a picture, it’s a conversation between painters. It’s as much about mark-making as it is about time and space. Painting is a way to be present, to slow down, to consider what we see and feel.