Previously published in January 2017, this was the first large canvas that I tackled at my sister’s request. (24 x 48)

Another even larger canvas has been waiting for me to finish it since last March. Sometimes, it’s best to gain a little more confidence before completing the art work. I will breathe a big sigh of relief when I get the “ballerina” out of the room and onto a wall somewhere!

Our fresh snowfall this week reminds me that winter is not done with us yet.

In this post, I compare spoondrifts and snowdrifts.

 

SPOONDRIFT – (n), a showery sprinkling of sea-water or fine spray swept from the tops of the waves. (Origin: Old English).

The Caribbean at sunrise - acrylic on canvas 24 x 48

Snowdrifts I know very well, and there have been many of those around our driveway in the last month or so.

Snowdrift defined.

Snowdrift, (n). a deep bank of fine, powdery snow (much like that sea spray) heaped up in one spot by the wind, with underlying possible crusts of ice and frozen dirty slush. Might look pretty on the surface, but is a bugger to get rid of as the wind keeps whipping snowflakes in all directions (more sea spray…ok, I know it’s a bit of a stretch but please humour me!).

Snowdrifts are the cause of much discussion after a particularly nasty winter storm as Canadians outdo each other in claiming to have the deepest snowdrifts in their backyards or driveways.

Can you tell that winter has set in for good in Ottawa, and in central/eastern Canada?

I need to feel a spoondrift, and soon!

Spoondrift is a new word I must try next time I visit the Caribbean.

How to use “spoondrift” in a sentence.

“Did you feel the spoondrift against your face on that last wave?”

“That spoondrift should be bottled and brought back home for my parched, wintry skin.”

“Leave your sunglasses with me. There is too much spoondrift today in the sea.”

As I painted the seascape in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my mind was at the beach while the snowdrifts deepened and the snowblower was put to good use.

Below, my painting hanging in its new home.

seascape in its new location
seascape in new location

(Serenity Beach, acrylic on 24 x48 stretched canvas.)

taking photo of beach on snowy day

I had to have help in taking a photograph of such a large canvas. Here is hubby holding the painting on a blustery day recently.

The day was too dark to get a good shot not to mention all the snowflakes swirling around.

As you can tell, I do not have the special lighting and photographic gadgets to shoot my art work, nor do I have a special easel for large works of art. I use a huge desk in my art room to paint on large canvases and find ways outdoors to take photos.  Sometimes, I need help, as in this case.

Below, the next day was sunny and I managed to take the photos I needed.

taking photo of seascape on sunny day

As I write this in the first few days of 2017, I know that I only need to paint a summery beach scene to escape the snow piling up in soft mounds around the house.

What forms of escapism help you deal with a long, cold winter?

Is it reading a good book?

Going to the spa for some pampering?

Spending the evening laughing with good friends?

Please add your comments below in the “Leave a reply” box.

Cheers everyone!

6 Responses

  • Nice to see this painting up on the wall at your sister’s home, she must be thrilled and she has certainly set the foreground up well also to set it off. Unlike you with snowdrifts, people here in Australia are certainly enjoying the sea spray at the beaches with the very warm weather we have been having.

    • I am happy she is enjoying the painting. Now I should get busy covering my walls with my work. So far, I only have one of my own paintings up on a wall. Enjoy the sea spray!

  • Louise,
    You are so right-beaches and snowdrifts not so visually different! Your painting captures the feel of the shore and looks wonderful in its new home!
    Looking forward to more beachscapes!
    Beautiful!

    • Thanks Linda. Of course I had several photos of the Jersey shore so maybe one day, I will paint that scenery!

  • It is hard to comment with a cat on my lap… your painting looks so inviting and peaceful! Wish I was there! ????????????

    • Well Jill, we are both snowbound aren’t we? The scenery is just as lovely with all the white snow covering the ground. Still, painting a beach allows us to dream a little of warmer destinations. Thanks for leaving a comment!

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