Japanese Maple is a luminous plein air impressionistic acrylic painting capturing the timeless charm of a historic pink-brick home in downtown Buford, Georgia. Painted on location in late morning light, this 12″ × 16″ work highlights the vibrant analogous reds, pinks, and oranges of a mature Japanese maple and blooming azaleas framing the facade. These warm tones contrast beautifully with the cool greens of surrounding trees, while long shadows offer a shaded spot for the artist amid the heat. The composition evokes a sense of quiet elegance, blending the home’s century-old architecture with lush landscaping in a quaint town that has thoughtfully preserved its past while welcoming new life.
This was the second plein air piece Don Yaun completed after founding the Facebook group Plein Air Painters of Lake Lanier, aiming to connect local artists for outdoor painting sessions. Downtown Buford’s mix of historic homes, railroads, repurposed industrial buildings, shops, and dining creates a unique, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for plein air inspiration.