Birches in the Blizzard

6"x6" oil on gessoed masonite artboard

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."
- Oscar Wilde


I really do love this quote and am so glad I found it to share with you! Now that we are closing the door to one year and opening the window on another....many people think of 'resolutions' they'd like to achieve (usually having to do with weight). But think of the things in life that you are passionate about....are you happy with the direction your life is taking? None of us were born knowing how to run. Everything is achieved bit by bit - one small step at a time. Over time momentum DOES build up- and things begin to progress in the direction you want them to. So what are you waiting for? Take the next step (or the first step!) in the direction of your happiness.

Painting this snowy scene today, "Birches in the Blizzard" was such fun! For one thing I haven't opened the paints since the first week of December. Ugh- I felt like one lost & tormented soul! I have really missed the 'dailies' and am glad to get back in the groove. Today was a swirling blizzard outside all day long. I had sworn off trying to paint 'plein-air' in cold weather, but this was right outside my window! I could stay warm & comfortable & still paint the scene outdoors I was looking at, listen to the howling wind,and yes.....still feel (some of) the chill! Across the street there is a construction site (of which I deleted most of that stuff), but what caught my eye in all the swirling grays outside my window, was the sight of a few birch trunks, which appeared to be a warmer gray. The ground sloped off and even though it was a non-stop blowing mess of snow & fog, I could see color variations in the snow on the ground. These color variations are much easier to see when the sun is out shining on those crisp, clear brilliant days and casts strong shadows. The warm whites against the cool whites really stand out in that case. But even on the grayest days, it's possible to see these variations (when you aren't freezing to death in the blowing stuff!). I previously thought I'd never paint another winter scene, but this was actually quite fun! Perhaps this winter will bring new challenges to 'expand my vision'....as long as I'm in a warm, protected space to paint from!

Wishing you great happiness in this new year, 2009!