This painting is based on a magical 10 second experience I had while hiking through this very old dark mixed forest in Northern Nova Scotia.
A single maple leaf, while on its downward journey had somehow found a resting spot on the side of a very old spruce tree. This maple and spruce which were no more than 20 feet apart, had shared the same small space for probably close to 100 years. It was a very overcast day and the high canopy blocked what little light there was, creating a very dark surreal setting. Suddenly, the clouds broke open sending a stream of light that somehow managed to find the top of this little maple leaf. It resembled a lantern and for a few seconds, highlighted the texture of the old spruce tree. It was over in a flash. I never forgot that vision.