Red Maple and Sumach by David Drum is a vibrant and textured painting that bursts with the energy and color of autumn. The foreground is filled with the delicate tracery of red maple and sumach branches, their leaves depicted in a flurry of reds and oranges that seem to dance against the sky. Each brushstroke is thick and deliberate, giving the foliage a rich, almost three-dimensional quality that evokes the lushness of the season.

The background, in contrast, is a tapestry of serene blues and gentle lavenders, suggesting the coolness of an autumn sky and the stillness of the water beyond. This tranquil expanse serves as the perfect foil to the exuberant display in the foreground. The horizon is marked by a thin, glowing strip of warm color that mirrors the fiery tones of the leaves, suggesting the setting sun's reflection on the water's surface.

Drum’s use of color is both bold and nuanced, with the interplay of warm and cool tones creating a scene that is dynamic yet harmonious. The branches of the trees are etched against the sky with fine, almost calligraphic lines, conveying their delicate structure and the fleeting nature of the season.

This painting captures the essence of autumn’s glory, with its vivid colors and the poignant reminder of the cycle of growth and dormancy. It's a celebration of natural beauty, inviting the viewer to revel in the richness of the season and to reflect on the transient, yet recurring, patterns of nature.

Through this work, Drum may be exploring themes of change, decay, and the enduring rhythms of the natural world, offering a window into the soul of the landscape.