I have always been intrigued by the giant Nantanna smokestack. It is a staple of the Northfield skyline and speaks to an industrial past. I selected this scene because it effectively juxtaposes stark visuals of Northfield’s manufacturing history present, which is captured very well in the different aesthetics of the old and very new structures. I modified the scene by eliminating building details, picnic tables, fencing, rocks, etc. to make a cleaner and simpler drawing where the emphasis could be on the old and new, as well as the man-made and the nature.

Mr. Knox inspired this composition with his emphasis on capturing interesting elements in the foreground, middleground and background. I was also inspired by Ms. Field ability to create great depth in her mountains and her details in trees, as well as her simplistic two- to three-tone buildings. Often, barns in her work are also a vibrant red. I like how much those stand out and use that same idea representing the smokestack and other bricks in a vibrant orange.