first snow at the lake

oil on wood

 Snow is one of those things that refuses to be photographed well. Therefore you have two choices: paint it from life or memorize and paint from memory.  I chose a mix of life and memory for this one. I began it two years ago and Tuesday's snow helped me know how to complete it.
Snow seems to absorb light, both in shadow and full light. Pinks, greens, peach, lemon, blue and violet are all part of its color scheme.Variation of temperature within value is the key to make it work. Subtle.
The first snow of the year is a special time. Two years we have been without any real snow, so the 3 inches we received on Tuesday brought real excitement. For those in real snow country, it's laughable, I know, but here it's special. Fears of the dreaded ice mix shut down most work and many were out, wanting to be part of the exciting snow.
BTW There is an excellent "Iconic Snowscenes new York" exhibit at the Wally Finlay Gallery in NYC. While you are in town be sure to see Jeremy Lipking's 23 new paintings in a solo-show at Arcadia Contemporary. The show runs from December 12th-31st 2013. Wow! I will go next week...and report more later.