Filtered Light

by Jesse Hashagen

“As a plein air landscape painter, I’m drawn to the power of color and light, and the way they can completely change the mood of a space in an instant. Every time I step outside to paint, I’m reminded that nature is never still—the sun shifts, shadows stretch, and colors sharpen or fade. My paintings are my way of capturing those moments and translating them into something lasting. Sometimes it’s the strength of morning light dragging shadows across an open field, other times it’s the weight of autumn trees glowing against the late-day sun. I use bold, decisive brushstrokes and strong contrasts to not just record what I see, but to give shape to the energy and atmosphere of the landscape. For me, painting outdoors is about more than the view, it’s about being present, noticing the details most people pass by, and carrying that experience back into the work. Each painting is a reminder to slow down, look closer, and connect with the land in a real and honest way.”