Icy River. Painting #31. Winter Reflection at the Edge of a Chapter

Icy River was the final painting (#31) I completed before leaving England—one last request squeezed in amid the packing tape and transition chaos. It came from the same person who commissioned Night Train, and once again, they had a photo they thought might make a compelling painting. I wish I still had the reference image, but this one’s floating somewhere in memory now.

I had a lot going on at the time, and the process is a bit of a blur but I remember painting it in a spare room surrounded by packed boxes using a small canvas built on a tight palette: moody Prussian blue and midnight black shape the lake, with a classic Bob Ross-style reflection pulling the main tree down into the water. A few smaller trees dot the backdrop. A flat gray sky and the shoreline is edged with snow-covered bushes complete the piece. There’s something about the starkness of the limited palette that gives it a quiet strength.

I had so much going on at the time that I nearly forgot I even painted it. Thankfully, the new owner didn’t forget. They were thrilled with the result, which always brings me joy. Even when a painting slips out of my mind, knowing it’s found a home where it’s appreciated makes it worth it.

Some paintings stick with you forever. Others you nearly forget you made… until they come back with a smile attached, like this Icy River painting.

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Happy Painting!