Moody Winter Blues

There’s nothing more enjoyable than getting out for a snowshoe in the mountains on a gorgeous, sunny day, with clear blue skies that go on forever. Details are crisp and clear for long distances, and colours are bright. Given the weather patterns in the Canadian Rockies, however, and the limitations of work and life commitments, it’s not always possible for me to get out to the mountains on those bluebird days, so I take what days I can.

Sometimes, that means going out when skies are cloudy and gray, colours are muted, and views are limited. Low clouds? You won’t even know you’re in the mountains, at times. If the sun doesn’t shine, the snow doesn’t sparkle, and the trees take on a gloomier cast. Blues and blue-grays can dominate the landscape.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t some drama and atmosphere to be seen, if you pay careful attention. Peaks may loom like ghostly giants through a snowfall. Water will take on a steely cast. Parks Canada’s iconic red chairs will provide a pop of bright colour on even the gloomiest days. A sudden break in heavy cloud cover will send a beam of light to a particular peak, like a benediction from the hiking gods. There is something beautiful in a stark, monochromatic scene, bereft of distracting details.

The artwork for this blog post, except one, was created over a three-day, socially-isolated, creative retreat, Writers in Your House, organized via Facebook. I’d like to thank organizer Randy McCharles and all the other writers who kindly let this artist join in to post goals and achievements over the three days. It was hugely motivating and lots of fun to read about the variety of projects the 49 participants were working on.

If you enjoyed the artwork, some of it is now available for sale on various products on RedBubble.com Please follow the link to see what’s available: https://www.redbubble.com/people/DrawnMountains