Winter Vibes

Winter is peaking through the yellow leaves. Four small paintings are coming to my online shop… here are some thoughts on them.

In the early morning, when it’s still dark outside, I walk to the river with Sam. It’s cold but not bitter cold yet. Sam walks through the piles of leaves on purpose - maybe he likes the crunchy sounds. It reminds me of what lies ahead: Sam walking through piles of snow on purpose and digging in the deeper Austrian snow. I painted him digging in the snow. The calm of the Winter landscape is such a contrast to Sam’s energy and tension when digging for animals hibernating. Don’t worry - I do try to stop him from disturbing them.

In Austria, my walks with Sam take us past a “Waldschwimmbad”, a public swimming pool outside surrounded by mountains. It’s very strange in the Winter - spooky and forgotten - covered in snow. I like to stop and look over the wire fencing. Birch trees are scattered across the lawns surrounding the pool. They stand still, awaiting Spring.

When the mountains get too lonely and the snow too silent, I long for walks with friends in the city. The freezing storm stands in contrast to the glowing warmth of the cafés and shops we pass. May this Winter be filled with both silence and togetherness.

All of the above and more inspired this year's Winter Gardens collection.