Framed oil painting

8 x 12 (image size) oil on board

Grazing Alongside Spring Creek is a scene that I discovered last spring in Rockbridge County, VA.  The Hereford cow is wading in the winding creek with a calf, contemplating crossing, while the large Black Angus bull and two other calves graze the open field.  Spring is in bloom.   

I focused on creating a soft painting, with Impressionist qualities.  Even though cows are big strong animals, the serenity of the scene blends them into the landscape.  The dark but airy woods in the background allow the blossoming trees to stand out, helping to balance the composition.  I hope you sense in this piece what I felt when I was delightfully surprised coming around the bend.