Snow Tree 1995

Eyvind Earle made "Snow Tree," using smooth paint to give us a world that feels crisp and still. The art of making art is like finding the right note, then another, and then building to a melody. The texture here isn’t about gobs of paint; it’s about making flat surfaces feel deep. Look at how the light hits the snow – it’s not just white, but layers of shades, giving it volume. The color palette is a study in contrasts, and that dark purple background makes the snowy parts pop. The way the branches reach out, delicate but sure, reminds me of Cy Twombly’s line work – each mark a dance. Earle's world is different, yet like so many landscape artists, he reminds us that nature is the ultimate innovator. You come away from this piece with a little snap of joy.