This is a clear, open piece.  It is very calming.  The dark skies are moving on and the sunlight is returning and it feels good.  This piece is highly textured with a rough, natural surface.  Many of the lines are three dimensional ridges.  The hues are bold and full and this painting has a strong presence.  Especially for its small size.  In the lower right I have painted a single phrase in very small letter that reads, "Give thanks."

It is all too easy to lament the bad times and then take the good times for granted.  I think expressing gratitude for the good times is a way to fortify yourself for the rough spots.  I am hopeful this small quiet reminder of balance will keep you in touch with the light.

How Passing Storm was created.....   Once the black gesso primer dried, I used palette knives to create a textured abstract expressionist surface filled with dark colors.  Then I used my fingers to push acrylic modeling paste into naturally irregular ridges that became the three-dimensional lines of this piece.  Next, I used wide soft brushes and translucent washes to build up the colors of the land and sky.  And finally I used tiny detail brushes to paint the tree and to add a few highlights and lowlights.

(The image and textures continue around the sides of the board. This is a digital photo. The scans above are more accurate.)

Passing Storm was painted on a wooden board created specifically for use by artists. It has a recessed slot in the back allowing you to hang it flush with the wall. The sides of the board have been painted as well so that this piece would look wonderful displayed unframed either directly on the wall or on a small, decorative table-top easel. It is also very stable standing on edge and can be displayed that way on a shelf or table.

SOLD