The weather is still frequently cold and messy, but as I mentioned last week, I have finished my winter landscape, and now I’ve finally got an updated accurate photo to show you.
I was inspired by the experience of driving through a rural section of Route 4, on a sunny winter day just after a snowfall, heading north from Montague into Roseneath, Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island), Canada.
“Winter Roadtrip”, finished March 2025
by Rebeka Darylin
9″ x 12″, acrylic on canvas board
Honestly, I have never been a big fan of winter, so it took me a while to peel back the layers and explain to myself why I felt so compelled to paint this scene:
Every trip can be an adventure: pausing plans, stopping to savour the moment when it surprises us with impermanent beauty.
It is a reminder to make the most of bright and mild weather, to explore and connect with the world around us, not just at our anticipated destination, but all along the journey.
I was a bit worried about immersing myself in a “cold” project during the coldest months. My Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, aka “winter blues”) is now fairly well managed, finally, but it took decades of work to find the right combo of medication, clinical light therapy, and coping strategies – and of course making art.
But even when winter in general was much more of a struggle, there were always particular moments of beauty, joy, and connection.
Working on this piece through the winter of 2024/25 has been an expression of appreciation for those moments, and for the transportation infrastructure that helps me make the most of the best days by exploring the year-round beauty near my home, and the communication infrastructure that keeps me from being so isolated on the bad days – whether I am connecting with a friend through email, or curled up watching soothing nature documentaries of warmer places – and of course the electricity that makes it much more viable to make art even on short dark gloomy days.
Still, I have had enough of cold and snow now, and I’m quite ready for the warmer weather to come to stay – mud season and damp basement and all.
I’m aiming to get a lot more practice in painting en plein air (outside, on location) this year, starting as soon as it’s warm enough. I want to build up my confidence, because I hope to participate in a couple of public events planned for July, where you will be invited to come watch (and/or join in!) as artists paint outside in beautiful historic locations in south eastern PEI – stay tuned for details!
Until next time, take care,
– Rebeka