Fall Scene near Sisterdale 1909

Robert Julian Onderdonk painted this ‘Fall Scene near Sisterdale’ with what looks like oil paint. This piece has a real sense of openness, a kind of generosity in its mark-making. The touches of paint, especially in the grass, seem to be laid down with confidence, creating this feeling of movement. I like how the colors blend into each other, it makes for a super soft, dreamy atmosphere. Now, look at the large tree in the center. See how the light filters through the leaves? Onderdonk uses these warmer tones to create depth and contrast, but also to draw the eye into the center of the painting. The thickness of the paint adds texture to the branches, and the subtle shadows suggest the tree is alive and swaying in the breeze. This painting makes me think a bit of George Inness, an artist who was also interested in capturing the sublime aspects of the American landscape. With this Onderdonk painting, you get the sense that art is a way to show that the world is always changing.