“Hoar Frost, Pinecrest” brings back wonderful memories, painted on location on Christmas Eve morning. With our Christmas tree decorated and the traditional tourtière made the night before, I had a precious window to step out and capture the early morning magic.

A hoar frost had formed overnight – coating everything with those white feathery crystals. The scene was bathed in a diffused morning light, as the sun had not yet risen over the mountains, and the sky was a striking cold cobalt blue. This particular view was made even more special by the many Pacific Dogwood shrubs whose naturally pink branches were intricately covered with the frost. Beyond them, the majestic Rainbow Mountain, still snow-covered, stood in the distance. The frost also brought out unusual blues and pinks on the upright shrubs and ground lichens, colours that would normally be shades of green or brown, adding an unexpected vibrancy to the winter landscape.

It was truly breathtaking. I painted with an urgent pace, and my brushstrokes were quick and deliberate, knowing the morning sun would quickly melt away this exquisitely pink and frosty scene. Capturing those delicate crystals was a challenge, and I poured my focus into conveying that intricate, fleeting beauty.