Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Yesterday... and Today...What a difference a day can make!

Just the day prior at Rumble's Mill... just a dusting!



Winter Traceries




The Old Manse





Snow festooned Birch




Looking westward up Mill Street West




St Andrew's Presbyterian Church




The Old Hillsdale Lockup....Jail



St Andrew' Steeple



Late Afternoon Light on Mill Street Residence




Yesterday morning it was dreary and rainy... with most of the dusting of snow that had made Christmas 2011 in Hillsdale almost entirely gone. It was these conditions that seemed to quickly dampen the festive spirit which had prevailed for that special day.


I had to take Liam and Bryn into Aurora... an hour's drive distant to do his evening shift at The Cineplex-Odeon Theatre... and Bryn to search out Boxing Day bargains. We left around 1:00 pm to insure his being there on time and with some "wiggle room" to spare. The rain quickly changed to snowy slush as we pushed southward on 93 Highway and by the time we were half way there it was beginning to snow quite heavily.


I quickly dropped them off and headed back towards Hillsdale... stopping only top pick up a few necessary groceries. By the time that I reached the Barrie area... still about a half hour south of Hillsdale... the roads had become treacherously slick and slush covered. It was not a pleasant trip the rest of the way home. I arrived back home around 5:45 pm... the trip requiring almost triple the usual time required to make the two way journey.


At bedtime... it was quite evident that the 2 cm estimated snowfall target predicted by Environment Canada had long been surpassed. Upon waking this morning there was almost 10 inches of powder snow on the ground... on top of the 2 cm of slush predicted. Nasty! Numerous collisions were reported all along the route I had taken... clear down into Toronto and westward to Southwestern Ontario.



This powdered snowfall adhered to the already wet branches of the trees... the grasses and fences everywhere in the village... transforming the landscape and residences into a lacy...winter faeryland. Between the frigid cold... the strong gusting wind and the marshmallow dominated features of the landscape... it was too much to paint up... but not too much to record and enjoy on a walk!


I ventured out around the village this afternoon to take some photos to share with all of you... who don't have this in your climate. I will say nothing further... except to underscore a few words from a Christmas favourite... that I'm sure you will all know. Walking in Hillsdale in the northwesterly wind this afternoon was very cold.... -15C with a windchill 0f -25C. But it truly was in every way like..."walking in a winter wonderland!" I think these jpegs say so too!


I am sending these snowy pix to my SoCal friend Marian Fortunati to enjoy.... and borrow for Canadian winter subject matter... should she wish to do so! Anyone else motivated ... get a shovel and dig in!.... Be my guest!



Good Painting in 2012 to ALL!!!

22 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos - but I'll take the photos over the real thing for my winter, please :)

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  2. Hi there Rhonda!... Thank you for stopping by and for the compliments regarding the phots!

    Every one calls some place home because it is the place they know and love! I can well appreciate those feelings that you have about Kentucky. I only visited once... but its beauty was indisputable!

    To tell you the truth Rhonda... I would not be happy in the least... without my time in the snow each year to look forward to! Now that Christmas is past... I'll have the chance to do just that... and to share more snow with folks like you who aren't able to make a snowball! HA HA!! Stay tuned... one or two comin' your way!

    Good Painting! Happy New Year!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. Wow, Bruce! Stunning photos and I thank you for the opportunity to paint from them. One of them instantly grabbed me and I've swiped it to one day "do." You know how slow I am, but I'll be sure to credit you once I get it done. I love it! So glad you made it home ok. We usually get tons of snow here in North Central Illinois, but very little thus far this year. We were expected to have a rough winter, but it hasn't been here yet (knock on wood). I personally think the snow is beautiful and welcome its advent. So glad you had a wonderful Christmas with a couple of the kids at home. Wishing you a most blessed new year too!

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  4. Hi Bruce,
    I'm very happy you like snow too!
    I just don't understand people who leave for Florida at this special time of the year. They prefer sunshine and walks along the beach to shoveling and freezing. Bizarre don't you think! Ha! Ha !
    I'm kidding of course but, I wouldn't change this weather of ours. I'm so used to our four seasons, I'd be miserable if one disappeared.
    Getting up in the morning and seing all this whiteness outside for the first time in the season is a kind of blessing. We tend to forget nature needs a respite too.
    Your pictures are magical. Hope you are ready for a beautiful winter, have good warm boots and tuque.
    Your friend from the cold( but with a warm heart),

    Helen

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  5. Hi there Sherry!... So nice to hear from you again!

    Thank you for visiting and for your encouraging compliments regarding the photos! Glad too... that you have found at least one for a painting focus! By all means have fun with them... as you see fit!

    Christmas is indeed about Family and enjoying winter... in the differing fashion that we are each accustomed to... to shape our joy and our rituals.

    The weather... like Tigger... continues to suffer from... it would seem an uncontrollable "bounce"... everywhere in the world it seems!HA HA!!!

    I wish you... your Family and loved ones a Joyous... Healthy and Prosperous 2012 Sherry... and VERY much look forward to connecting as wehave during this now fading year of 2011.

    Good Painting!... Writing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Bonjour Helen!... Merci beaucoup pour visiter cet blog pendant cette annee et pour tes remarques... toutes les fois complimentaires!

    I am so happy that you enjoyed the winter photos... "You" surely share my own view that Winter is a part of my yearly expectation... and I would be less of a painter for certian... without its annual presence!!!

    I do... in fact have the winter attire and a painting process necessary to be successful... and to feel comfortable as well outside during cold temperatures. I do pay attention to weather patterns and reports prior to heading out! I guess... I'm just a bit of a "junk yard dog" Helen! HA HA!!!.... avec un peu de Bonne Homme in my soul! HA HA!!

    Wishing you and your Family Happy New Year... Good Health and Good Painting in 2012...Thank "You" for your Friendship!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. What beautiful photographs. A fresh snow fall makes everything look fresh and clean. Happy painting in 2012.

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  8. glad to hear you got home safely. Not a sign of snow here over the holiday season though some is meant to be on its way. It sounds so cold with you do wrap up warm and take care. Happy painting to you in the new year laddie!

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  9. Hi there Douglas!.. Thanks for your visit... and for your compliments regarding the winter photos!Much appreciated!

    You've hit the nail right on the head Douglas! For "Me"... a new snowfall is magical because it hides the expanses of tawny... tired brown with sculptural gesture and excitement! Just one guy's opinion though!

    Wishing you Good Painting... and Happy New Year!Do drop by again... as I will to your site!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  10. Hi there Highland Lass!... Thanks for taking time away from your glazing adventures to make your visit!

    More snow overnight... to the joy of all the skiers... boarders... skidooers who have been anxiously awaiting its (late) arrival!

    I will get out after New Year for certain... a trip planned to paint with David Kay in Algonquin for a few days in early January. Right now... Deb and I are working in concert at a new project that demands our combined talents and attention! Fun!

    Good Glazing... and Happy New Year to You and your Hubby Caroline!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. You have some great photo's there Bruce, well done. We still have all of our white stuff to come. Personally, although it's a pain in the backside, I love it!!!

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  12. Hi there John!... Thanks for the visit nd your impressions and comments re: the dreaded "S" word!!! HA HA!!

    A lot of the country... usually buried in the stuff by this time are reporting its absence to date! We have our first installment... but rain and freezing rain are in the forecast this morning! YUK!!!

    Like yourself... I truly look forward to winter and the opportunity to "get out there"... as I will right after the New Year responsibilities are past!

    Good painting!... and Happy New Year to you!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. These are just stunning photos Bruce. You certainly live in a beautiful part of the world. As I read your blog we are expecting 32c today here in Melbourne, Australia. Quite a contrast to your -15c :-o BRrrrr.
    I know I am stating the obvious but I can know comment on your blog. ;-)))
    Happy New Year and Happy Painting in 2012.
    Cheers,
    Helen.

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  14. Hi there Helen!... Thank "You"... ever so much for taking the time to visit and to share your impressions! I appreciate your taking the time!

    Taking photos in this region is so easy... and making paintings easier as well because of the stunning landscape that we are fortunate to enjoy in the Oro- Medonte!

    I have really enjoyed my ten years of living and painting here... as I enjoyed my five years painting in Nova Scotia! There is beauty everywhere Helen... when one is willing to seek it out... and to embrace it!

    I am deeply blessed!

    Good painting in 2012... and Happy New Year to "You" as well!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Winter is so beautiful. You've got lots of inspiring pictures there!
    Happy Painting and Happy New Year,
    Nora

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  16. Enjoyed seeing these lovely snow-scenes!

    Also-
    "Huddled in the Afterglow" - a Great painting!

    ~*Happy New Year*~

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  17. What beautiful pictures of your surroundings,Bruce! Have a Happy new Year!

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  18. Thank "You Sylviane!... For your visits to the sites and for your always positive comments! I always look forward to your visits!

    Have yourself A Happy... Healthy and Prosperous 2012!

    Warmesdt regards,
    Bruce

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  19. Wishing you a Wonderful New Year!
    Such inspiring photos! I would love to have that around to paint myself!

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  20. Hi there Jill!... Thank "You" for taking the time to stop by and leave encouraging comments! Much appreciated - both!

    Winter is a favourite time for me to paint... and especially to be in the outdoors to do it!

    "Huddled in the Afterglow" speaks volumes in support of the reality... that nothing beats first hand experience en plein air... simply because all of the senses are combined to help one step into the spirit and mood of the landscape before them!

    Happy New Year!... Good Health... Happiness and Good Painting in 2012!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  21. Hi there Samantha!... Thank your for your New Year's best wishes... your visit and for your comment!

    As I've mentioned to others... Winter and its beauty is everywhere, including in its form that you experience. I am certain that it differs greatly from the other seasons that you experience.

    Discover those differences... study them carefully and try to capture them in your own unique way. That beauty will be equal to the snowscapes that we try to recreate here! And that will be good enough for folks in your area... because that is their experience too!

    Good Painting and Happy New Years to you!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  22. Hi Nora... Thank you for visiting and commenting!

    You are quite correct! Winter... with its watercolour paper clean breadth... permits the artist to save some white... rather than totally cover the surface... and the lighting effects and shadows on its varying slopes and corners... provide the same opportunity to use transparency as opposed to constant opacity to create effects! A nice change in process!

    Happy New Year!... Good Painting and Good luck with the calendar project!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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