Winter River Morning

Painting inspired by Driftless Area, Recent Work

Winter River Morning, oil painting by Iowa artist Fred Easker.

Recently returned from extended loan to the US Department of State, Arts in Embassies Program

From the bridge at Osterdock, the Turkey River lies open to the winter sky, its broad curve resting under a flawless sheet of snow and ice. The air is sharp, the light crystalline—each bare branch tracing fine lines across the pale horizon. I had carried this image in my mind long before I made the drive, 75 miles over icy roads, to arrive before the scene was touched by wind, tracks, or thaw. In that moment, the world was stripped to essentials: snow, water, sky, and shadow, each held in perfect balance. Space itself opened outward, inviting the eye to travel deep into the frozen bend.

All paintings are inspired by actual places in the landscape.


High-Quality Reproductions

Visit the studio or contact Fred for information on painting reproductions and prints.

Original Painting

Dimensions 16 × 48 inches 

Date 2022

AvailabilityOriginal Unavailable