The Intimate Forest

A Celebration of the Beauty of Nature in Oil Paintings by Harlan

Sassafras and Grasses

30x40 2005

In the Raptis Collection

Next to the path along the back of the pond I spotted this bright red sassafras leaf resting with other leaves on the most delicate bed of grasses. I loved the contrast of colors between the bold leaves and those slender blades of grass. Painting the blades of grass alone I knew would be a fascinating puzzle. An individual blade is relatively simple but in masses and tangles they are a breath taking challenge. There are leaves here which are newly fallen from their trees, still bright with color. And there are older leaves that fell perhaps a week before and are fading and growing brittle with time. So many beautiful elements in one piece!