"Hiker at Lake Woodruff" by artist Brenda Hofreiter

This painting was created at Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge near Deland, FL. For those of you who follow my work, you will recognize this location as a favorite of mine. This is another piece that I did from my bike set up which I'll put below. It was created in the winter months when the weather is just about perfect for hiking and painting too! I really enjoy painting at this time of the year and all the wonderful colors that the grasses turn after a bout with cold weather. There is still just a touch of green hanging on and the water has retreated back into the creek beds. The air is crisp and clear and a there is a slight chill, as you can see from the long shirt the hiker is wearing.

I wasn't planning on putting a hiker in the painting, but he just happened to stroll by and I managed to get him blocked into the painting before he disappeared around the corner! The paint was flying I can tell you that! I try to remain open to the possibilities of the site when I am painting, so although the basic composition will remain, the focal point may change during the painting. It is one of the exciting things about being out in the wilderness.... You just never know what you will see. I wondered where the hiker was going as he walked away. Since he had a backpack, I wondered if he was planning to stay for awhile. Well, now he will be captured in my painting forever. I wonder if he will ever see it and remember his hike. It makes me want to set out after him and see what is up the road. How about you?