As summer winds down and the days get shorter, one cannot help but feel a certain nostalgia for those first bright mornings of early summer.  Not only does Kathy Hofmann perfectly capture dawn in this 15 x 16.5 inch acrylic on panel painting, she also captures the mood of a season.  The dramatic contrast between the shadows of the tree and the bright, misty hills in the distance suggest the mystery and promise of a beautiful new day in the country.  The dappled sunlight on the trunk, the subtle variation of the color of the shadows, and the beautifully painted leaves all indicate that this painting is by an artist with a sharp eye for detail, a talent for imparting light, and a true appreciation for all of nature’s wonders.