Under the Trees (Monhegan) - Edward Willis Redfield

A study of light and shadow in a woodland setting, captured with the energetic brushwork characteristic of American Impressionist Edward Willis Redfield.

Edward Willis Redfield, a central figure in the Pennsylvania Impressionist school, produced this study during his time on Monhegan Island, Maine. The work captures the specific quality of light filtering through a dense woodland canopy. Redfield utilised a direct, alla prima technique, applying paint with visible, energetic brushwork to record the immediate visual sensation of the scene. The composition focuses on the interplay between the vertical trunks of the trees and the dappled illumination on the forest floor.

Unlike the more polished studio works of his contemporaries, this piece retains the raw character of a plein air study. The palette consists of high-chroma greens, ochres, and bright yellows, which represent the sunlit patches of vegetation against the cooler, shadowed areas of the bark and soil. Redfield was known for his rapid execution, often completing works in a single session to maintain the integrity of the observed light. The application of paint is thick, providing a tactile quality to the surface of the canvas. This approach allows the viewer to observe the physical movement of the artist's hand across the support.

Monhegan Island served as a frequent destination for American artists at the turn of the twentieth century, drawn by its rugged topography and unique coastal atmosphere. Redfield's interpretation of the island's interior woods demonstrates his ability to translate complex natural patterns into a series of rhythmic, light-filled strokes. The lack of fine detail in the background suggests a focus on the immediate foreground, where the contrast between light and shadow is most pronounced. This print preserves the texture and colour relationships of the original oil painting, offering a clear view of Redfield's approach to capturing the transient effects of natural light in a woodland setting.