The season of long shadows
December’s solstice gifting some tall silhouettes
We’re officially past the turning point to longer days! I hope you’re enjoying the extra minutes of daylight that are ever expanding (at least until next June). Around the winter solstice the shadows are especially epic in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the time when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in longer shadows cast due to the low angle of sunlight. I’ve been enjoying noticing the dramatic casts of light in my day to day, and my painting below epitomizes this.
Above is a timelapse of me adding leaves, birds, fence posts, grasses and shadows to a winter road painting. I love playing up the blue and purple in the shadows of my paintings. We all need more vibrancy, right?
Removing tape and signing the final painting
I set myself an intention for December to lean into joy, and then immediately got a bad cold that I’m still recovering from. I felt like I was surfing waves of unexpected obstacles throughout the month. But I made a list of joy for myself and realized there’s a lot of positive:
Getting back on cross country skis for the first time since I sprained my ankle. I highly recommend the nordic center at Mailot Park in Minturn CO - free and beautiful.
My new scarf which looks like I’m a Broncos fan (they’re kinda good now) but is actually Aperol branded - acquired as free swag at the Beaver Creek Women’s Downhill Ski World Cup.
Me and my trusty high school xc skis and new scarf (Aperol logo hidden) - a good example of the long shadows around winter solstice!
Going for a dip in the ocean while in Florida.
Turning the Christmas tree lights on every evening.
Spending time with people I love.
Reflecting on my art show at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center last month. Thank you to everyone who supported me near and far! It was so special to see many of you in person in Colorado Springs.
I hope you have a lot on your joy list as well.
Love, Christina
https://christinacopeland.my.canva.site/