Lori Rietze – By the Light of the Moon, De Lori Rietze

The artwork presents a nocturnal winter landscape dominated by a large, luminous moon positioned centrally in the upper portion of the composition. The sky is rendered in muted shades of blue and purple, suggesting twilight or a deeply shadowed night. A scattering of what appears to be snow or frost adds texture and visual interest to the celestial expanse.
Below this expansive sky lies a field blanketed in snow. Tracks are visible within the snowpack, indicating recent passage – perhaps animal trails or human footprints. The perspective leads the eye toward a distant treeline, blurred by atmospheric haze and rendered in darker tones of green and brown.
A solitary tree occupies the foreground on the right side of the canvas. Its bare branches reach upward, silhouetted against the moonlit sky. The starkness of the tree’s form contrasts with the softer textures of the snow and distant foliage. At its base, nestled amongst the snow-covered ground, are sprigs of bright red berries and glossy green leaves – a touch of vibrant color that punctuates the otherwise monochromatic palette. Two small birds, likely cardinals given their coloration, perch among these festive elements.
The overall effect is one of quiet stillness and contemplative observation. The moon’s presence evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment, while the tracks in the snow suggest a narrative – an unseen journey or event that has transpired. The inclusion of the berries and birds introduces a subtle element of warmth and life into the cold winter scene, hinting at resilience and hope amidst the harshness of nature. The composition’s balance between darkness and light, starkness and detail, creates a visual harmony that invites prolonged viewing and reflection on themes of solitude, perseverance, and the cyclical rhythms of the natural world.