Growing up in rural Wisconsin meant huge snow drifts, ice skating & skiing on week-ends, and lots of snow forts. Winter of 2009 was a cold snowy old fashioned one. I decided to venture out of my studio and into the elements, it is now my most favorite Plein Air season. Frozen Lake Michigan full of ice-canos, rivers and inland lakes partially frozen and changing colors , fields and structures covered in snow: a simplicity of form that is always inspiring and invigorating. Lots of layers and those great inventions- hand-warmers- enable me to stay outside for 2-3 hour sessions before the paint becomes gooey and I need a cup of cocoa!