I have heard the Canadian winter referred to as stick season. I like that. The outside world becoming minimal in many ways. Reduced to sticks and twigs, spareness of colour and natural design. As the snow gets thicker and deeper so does the spareness. Sometimes it’s a slow build.
All images © Karen McRae
winter
The Colour of Ice
We have been blanketed in arctic air for the last couple of days so I’m posting these icy cold pictures to give you an idea of what it feels like. I love the subtle blues and yellows trapped in the ice. Currently I am busy turning up the heat, drinking hot tea and eating cheesecake. (Could someone please come over and finish the rest of the sweets in my house?!, it would have to be soon though…)
Stay warm!
Taken in Almonte, Ontario 2010
All images © Karen McRae
A String Around My Finger
I couldn’t let the first day of the year pass without marking it with a few thoughts and images. I am so grateful for the support of the amazing people who are in my life and excited for what the new year will bring. This is kind of like a little reminder to myself to be strong, to stay on the creative path I have chosen and to always be thankful for what I have. It’s like a string around my finger.
Strength, for whatever lies ahead
Reach, for your wildest dreams
Reflect, on what you have and what you have learned
An adventure lies ahead. Thanks for joining me!
All images © Karen McRae
Little Fireworks
These little crumpled looking twigs kind of remind me of delicate little fireworks popping out of the snow. Wishing you all a fresh year of wonder.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Images © Karen McRae
White Stuff
I confess that these images are from the archives but it is very much what it looks like out there right now. I will venture out later but as we woke up to -20° Celsius I’m waiting for the mercury to rise a little. Enjoy the last few days of 2011!
All images © Karen McRae
It’s A Wrap
Well Christmas is all wrapped up for this year. And it snowed! It snowed most of the day on the 25th and it was beautiful. Today we managed to even get out for a short ski and more snow is on the way later this week.
It actually feels like Winter now.
A few days before the snow fell I came across these wrapped trees along the highway. I found them a little haunting in their figure-like resemblance. The way they are mysteriously cloaked and how they gently bend. The way they are lined up in rows like… like what?… an audience for the passing cars?
They are whispering amongst themselves.
All images © Karen McRae
Gifts
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with grace, peace and love. Thank you to all the inspiring people out there for sharing such amazing creativity. It is truly a gift you are giving. xo
Nature’s Gift-wrap
Everything was sparkling this morning after several hours of freezing rain yesterday encased our little part of the world. Once the sun made an appearance it was as if the air was crackling with electricity. The continual pops and cracks of ice breaking, falling and dripping from the trees onto the glass encrusted surfaces below. Gentle explosions releasing everything from natures fleeting gift-wrap. A winter wonderland… without snow …still waiting…
All images © Karen McRae
Draw and Shoot 2
I haven’t done much figure drawing lately and I’m rusty to say the least but I did really fun photo-shoot on the weekend and it’s got me inspired! I had an opportunity to work with a young designer photographing her collection of lingerie pieces. The photo-shoot involved faux fur, champagne and a cigar but more on that when I post some pictures. The models were amazing to work with and the designer had a lot of fun creating a mix of lingerie some of which included faux fur elements. (It gets cold in Canada, I think this might be the lingerie of the season) A little sneak peek from the shoot via my sketchbook. Just a warm up sketch.
Image © Karen McRae
draw and shoot 