Autumn Pastures | 8" x 10" | Plein Air Oil Painting

On the final day of my week-long painting expedition to Queenstown, I captured this breathtaking vista, where fresh snow-capped peaks rise majestically above autumnal fields dotted with willows and broadleaf trees, as they begin their seasonal transformation.

This atmospheric 8" x 10" plein air oil painting on linen panel celebrates the dramatic contrast between winter's touch on the mountains and autumn's gentle embrace of the valley below.

My Story Behind the Painting

After a weather system passed through the previous day, I awoke to discover the mountain peaks crowned with pristine fresh snow. This stunning backdrop would make this my most memorable painting of the entire trip. The sunny morning, punctuated by intermittent clouds, created perfect conditions for capturing the essence of this tranquil pastoral scene.

I positioned my easel to capture the sweeping view across the golden pastures, where willows and other broadleaf trees were scattered like natural sculptures throughout the landscape. The early autumn colors were beginning to emerge, subtle golds and ambers whispering among the deep greens, creating a beautiful harmony against the dramatic snow-dusted peaks that dominated the horizon.

My focus was entirely on atmosphere, the way the light played across the undulating fields, how the intermittent clouds cast gentle shadows that moved across the landscape, and the majestic presence of those snow-touched mountains that made this scene so quintessentially New Zealand.

Every brushstroke was deliberate in capturing not just what I saw, but the profound sense of peace and connection to nature that this moment embodied.

For the Discerning Collector

This original oil painting on professional linen panel represents the culmination of an intensive week-long plein air painting journey, capturing one of Central Otago's most spectacular seasonal contrasts. The juxtaposition of snow-capped peaks with autumn pastures creates a compelling visual narrative that speaks to New Zealand's dramatic natural beauty.

The landscape format and sophisticated atmospheric handling make this piece ideal for collectors seeking artwork that brings the grandeur of alpine landscapes into interior spaces. Painted entirely outdoors in natural light, this work captures authentic color relationships and atmospheric effects that can only be achieved through direct observation.

The professional linen panel ensures museum-quality archival standards, while the authentic plein air execution guarantees lasting artistic and investment value. The harmonious palette of autumn golds, fresh greens, and snow-touched peaks creates an immediate sense of seasonal beauty and natural splendor, making this painting a compelling centerpiece for any collection focused on contemporary landscape art.

Autumn Pastures | 8" x 10" | Original Plein Air Oil Painting on Linen Panel by Samuel Earp | Ready to Frame