I have started to try to look at winter (especially post Holiday rushing and such) as a time to reflect, and regroup. Ease myself into the new year, do not stop but do not hurry. Deep winter doesn't work for me when it's 'New goals! Leap into the new year, go, go go!' while the world outside is miserable, cold, and dark. I think that's true for many of us. It took a lot of years for me, and though this winter isn't magically easy, I feel I've got more endurance than younger me.

I guess this piece reflects that, because it was stuck at 'half-colored' since last July. It wasn't until last week I realized a winter palette was what I wanted to work on for this scene, so I started over. It was always meant to be cozy, but there's a different mood that comes when its freezing beyond the window sill and yet warm and safe inside, so that's what I aimed for with the boys.

So! It's done for now, I'm pleased enough to share it. And I'm not being hard on myself for taking so long on it. We find our way eventually. <3