Wolf Hill Forest Preserve Painting
23″ x 41″, Oil on Canvas, 2022
by Charles C. Clear III
This custom oil painting depicts the tranquil beauty of Wolf Hill Forest Preserve in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The Preserve features miles of rocky trails that wind deep into the woods, eventually offering breathtaking views of the Providence skyline. A beloved destination for hikers, dog walkers, and nature lovers, Wolf Hill is also a site of historical significance. In August 1943, a US Army Air Corps plane, struggling with engine trouble, crashed at the top of the hill, tragically claiming the lives of three young servicemen. A memorial now marks the spot where their plane came to rest against a large boulder.
Commissioned by a local resident whose home borders the park, this painting is a personal tribute to the Preserve’s serene landscape and its history. Upon receiving the commission, I walked the trails, capturing photographs that would serve as the foundation for the painting. As I ventured deeper into the woods, I realized there was no singular, quintessential view that encapsulated the essence of Wolf Hill. This presented a challenge—how could I best convey the spirit of this beautiful and historic place?
The solution, I decided, was to create a scene that combined elements of the Preserve’s natural beauty, drawing from my photographs to build the composition. Every rock, tree, and leaf in this painting is true to Wolf Hill, yet they are arranged in a way that offers a unique interpretation of the landscape.
In the painting, a sunlit trail rises gently through the center, flanked by teal-hued rocks that guide the viewer’s gaze. To the right, a stone wall traces the path, while beyond it, the forest floor is blanketed with leaves. In the distance, a soft canopy of trees and a delicate silhouette of rocks create a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking the feeling of being lost in nature’s embrace.
The design is intentionally composed to draw the viewer into the scene, with the trail’s bend leaving the future unknown—much like life itself. The unseen path beyond the corner serves as a metaphor for the journey ahead: uncertain, yet filled with trust and hope, illuminated by the filtered light of the wooded path.
The painting was warmly received by the commissioning client and now graces their living room, a visual reminder of the beauty and history of Wolf Hill Forest Preserve.
Charles C. Clear III
cc@theartoflife.com