Christmas Day

Sacred Heart Church, Natick
…it's for sale!

Two ducks seen from a distance (grebes …or mergansers maybe)

The Winter Solstice

12-21-13
charcoal

The pool above the dam is covered with snow and ice despite the warm temperatures today. It's very pleasant outside. Here are a few more recent drawings (in charcoal, colored pencil and watercolor):

The Island
12-15-13

Rising Moon
12-16-13

Twigs in the snow
12-15-13

Venus, the Evening Star
12-16-13

Pleasant Street Bridge
12-19-20

Mallards and Ice
12-17-13

Mudville

"Icicles"
charcoal
11-30-13

I'm trying to remain enthusiastic about drawing out-of-doors as Winter begins. Recent rains have filled up the river and there have been a small flock of ducks and one swan that congregate above the dam. This provides interest and a place for my imagination to find a home.

I always wonder, at dusk usually, when I see ducks settling down for the night in some cold and moist place: how do they last until morning? Who keeps watch? Is it all so very Existential and bleak? Do ducks in winter, or all animals for that matter, even have a word for bleakness? Do they anticipate the spring? What are their memories of warmth and sun and abundant food? Is there joy in Mudville as the days dwindle to the winter solstice?
Well?