Title: Autumn Glory at Restful Lake
Artist: Blair Russell
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 48″ x 48″
Date: 2025
Description: Autumn Glory at Restful Lake captures one of my favorite moments in nature — that fleeting time in late October when the forests are ablaze with color and the world seems to pause in admiration. I was inspired by the rugged beauty of northern landscapes in places like Algonquin Park and the Laurentians, where the crisp air and fiery foliage transform familiar scenes into something magical.
In this painting, I wanted to convey a sense of stillness and reflection. The lake lies in perfect calm, mirroring the explosion of reds, golds, oranges, and greens that frame its shoreline. I used bold, deliberate brushwork to build texture and warmth in the trees, contrasting them against the cool blues and soft creams of the sky and water.
The boulders scattered along the banks add structure and timelessness to the scene — ancient elements that have witnessed countless seasons. The cloud-streaked sky and the gentle ripples near the rocks help balance the composition, drawing the eye toward the distant valley where the land begins to rise into softly painted hills.
This piece, like much of my work, pays homage to the Canadian landscape painting tradition, while expressing my own emotional response to nature. I hope it brings viewers the same peace and quiet awe I felt while painting it — as if they’ve stumbled across a hidden place untouched by time, lit by the golden fire of fall.
