This painting was previously posted but I was never satisfied with it. The soft flat light of the actual scene did not translate well into the emotive painting I wanted. After sitting on the shelf where I could see it every day, I decided to rework it. This is the reworked — and final — version.
One of my favorite local attractions in Fort Edmonton Park. It has provided much inspiration for historical themed paintings. Here is the first of what I hope to be a series of paintings reflecting the experience of early settlers on up to the early part of the last century.
Trail of Hope reflects the early travels through the wooded northern prairies. The wagons were narrower than their cousins to the south in order to pass through the wooded trails. In this scene, the evening light is fading, the horses unharnessed and evening chores are almost done. The wild rose and coffee cup sitting on the clean towel draped over the stool is juxtaposed against women wearing a dress suited to the dusty grime of the trail. It is a picture of hardship and hope.
“Trail of Hope” – 28 x 24 in acrylic on canvas (gallery wrapped).
