Snowbound Pine Forests.

Snowbound pine forests capture the beauty of winter.

Pine forests are silent except for the wind blowing in the branches and whipping up the snow in a swirl of cool crystals. In my paintings, I can imagine a very different scene than the slushy snow we have today.

For now, it's time to pull out the winter boots, at least for a few days as the weather is still quite mild. I often think we are lucky if we can get to Christmas still wearing shoes.

The first major snowstorm of the season is always exciting for me anyway. Beauty is everywhere when a fresh blanket of snow hides all imperfections. Some kids in this area had a snow day and as a former teacher, I remember those days when kids anticipated that first sanctioned holiday from classes.

This might be the type of day where you watch a good Christmas movie in your pyjamas while drinking hot chocolate, or bake goodies for the holidays. But if you like the snow, then have at it! The first order of the day was to shovel our driveway before running errands. And wouldn't you know it, the snow plough passed just minutes after it was cleared and left a furrow of clumpy dirty snow to remove. For those of you who don't know, if that furrow freezes, you may have trouble leaving home in the car.

Although we are covered today in a blanket of the white stuff, it is heavy, water-logged snow. It becomes slushy and messy and will probably not last to Christmas. Yes, such is winter in Canada.

Of course, in my imagination, the forests have that powdery, sugary type of snow that skiers and snowboarders love so much.

Painted pine forests on small canvases are available for purchase.

In mystical, magical forests, the snow hangs like dollops of thick luscious cream.

Whether the moon shines brightly on these trees, day or night, there is always a sparkle or two to be found in the snow.

Painted on 4 x 4 (CAD$45.00)  or 5 x 5 (CAD$55.00 - postage not included) gallery wrapped canvases, these boreal forests so typical in Canada are heavily textured using a palette knife to suggest snow laden branches and swirling snow on the forest floor. Each canvas features at least one tree glistening with sparkling snow in the foreground.

Contact me for if you see anything that you would like to purchase.

I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, 'go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'" Lewis Carroll (January 27, 1832 – January 14, 1898).