Winter Swans

"Swans and cygnets" by Hilary J. England, 8" x 10" oil on canvas, 2015

So, I have had enough of old man Winter, as I'm sure everyone has at this point.  I decided to think of nice, warm, serene scenery, so I painted this picture of some swans and cygnets from some older reference material I had shot last year.  It was strange to be painting this in my studio, as I looked out the window, and the snow and wind was whipping so violently against the house and across the road.  Quite a contrast.

It's been a long Winter, but they all seem to be that way, and seemingly longer and endless as Winter starts approaching Spring.  I know the warm weather will be here soon, but these last weeks of cold seem to have a never ending stranglehold on the region, and on our psyche.  "Snow fatigue" is what it's called, by the experts.  Winter doldrums and Cabin Fever is what we laymen call it, haha.

The flu laid waste to the household, and we are now working our way back to health.  I still feel weak, but getting out and shoveling another round of snow fixes that, as the bitter cold is inescapable, and literally takes your breath away.  I had to laugh out loud as the snow, lighter than air, blew in great sheets across my yard, with one of those impish sails going straight down the one exposed crevice in my suit of cold armor: a little gap in my collar.

So, now to will the Spring into the region!!  I hope you enjoy this little painting as much as I enjoyed creating it.