In Algonquin Park, Winter (After Thomson)

My reproduction of Canadian painter Tom Thomson's "In Algonquin Park, Winter" was an exciting exploration into the power and expressive brushwork of a national icon. Thomson captured the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness like no other with his vibrant use of colour, and my aim was to emulate his ability to convey a cold, clear day at the edge of winter.

In this faithful copy, a large bank of snow covers much of the foreground, with distinct shadows of unseen trees stretching out, suggesting a light source coming from behind the viewer. A prominent line of trees defines the background, still vibrant with the hues of late fall – their golden, red, and yellow leaves clinging on.  Rows and banks of dramatic clouds roll in from the left, while a clear cerulean sky still peaks through on the top right, creating a dynamic atmosphere.

I focused on building the composition with bold, visible brushstrokes, thickening the paint with calcium carbonate to achieve a strong sense of the ruggedness of the Canadian wilderness and the impressive volume of the snow.  For the snow itself, I paid close attention to Thomson's unique winter palette, where it is rarely purely white.  I laid down a patchwork of fairly bright hues of pinks, mauves, and blues, with sparse bits of greens, allowing the burnt sienna underpainting to show through in places. Despite the relatively bright colours, a strong sense of depth is conveyed through the composition and the skillful use of scale.

This painting was an exercise in direct observation and confident paint application, striving to capture the grandeur of an Algonquin winter. I'm especially pleased with how I managed to evoke the solitude and crisp energy of Thomson's original. Viewing this piece, I hope you feel the chill of the Canadian winter, and a profound appreciation for the wild beauty of our landscapes.

Note: Canadian copyright laws permit sales of reproductions following 70 years after the artist’s death.