Walter Elmer Schofield, March Snow

Conservation of this work was made possible by the generous contribution of Mrs. George S. Opp in 1990.

Schofield painted March Snow outdoors, directly from nature, without any preliminary studies. The approach of spring is suggested by the warm light that bathes the landscape. As the snow melts, tracks emerge from below. A large, diagonal shadow in the foreground contrasts with the bright light that permeates the scene beyond. On the relationship between nature and the landscape painter, Schofield remarked, "The landscape painter is of necessity, an outdoors man. For vitality and convincing quality only come to the man who serves, not in the studio, but out in the open where even the things he fights against strengthening him because you see, nature is always vital, even in her implicit moods and never denies a vision to the real lover."