I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I’m so excited to finally share my latest painting with you, my newsletter community, you get the very first look.
This one is extra special. It was commissioned by a dear friend as a surprise birthday gift for her husband. He’s a passionate snowboarder, and there’s one spot at Bolton Valley that holds a special place in his heart.
On a day when the clouds transformed the sky into what felt like a soft powdery layer above the world, he got to experience of a beautiful scenery open up right in front of him.
The sun, massive and glowing, almost faded into the clouds, blending seamlessly with the sky. In the distance, a deep pink sunset peeked through, layering beneath the rolling clouds.
In front of him? A breathtaking mountain range that seems to stretch on forever. Snow-covered trees line the trail, opening just enough for a glimpse of the winding path ahead. It’s the kind of scene that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and just be in the moment.
The Challenges Behind the Canvas
Bringing this vision to life wasn’t easy—it took longer than planned, but every challenge was worth it.
☁ The Sky & Sun: The clouds were vast, blanketing the entire sky like a soft powder. It was a tricky balance—how do you paint a scene that’s overcast yet bright, cloudy yet full of warmth? The solution? A mix of wet and dry brushing, endless layers, and blending until the clouds seemed to swirl around the sun just right.
❄ The Snow Trail: Snow isn’t just white—it’s full of shadows, reflections, and subtle color shifts. The biggest challenge? Making sure the trail looked like snow and not a frozen pond. The trick? Layering in soft blues and cool grays to capture the shaded areas, then adding just the right touch of ski tracks to bring it all to life.
🌲 Bare Winter Branches: Those plain, leafless branches were way harder than they look! To capture their depth, I painted the background dark first, then layered different shades of brown before topping them with soft snow. It was a back-and-forth process, but in the end, the branches added so much to the scene.
This painting was a labor of love—one that took patience, countless layers, and a whole lot of passion. And now that it’s finished, I’m absolutely in love with it.
What Do You Think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever stood in this exact spot at Bolton, watching the sunset over the mountains? Do you have a favorite skiing or snowboarding memory there?
Share your thoughts—I’m curious!
