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Janis Gay Williamson


In Alaska, the clear, natural light of day during the winter months is unlike any other I have known.  This light is made even more special because it is at such a premium.  The days in Alaska become shorter and shorter until Winter Solstice on December 21st, the shortest day of the year when Anchorage has only 5 hours 28 minutes of daylight.  Winter Solstice is the day when time reverses itself so the days slowly began to grow longer and longer.  As a clear day wanes, the phenomenon known as Alpenglow appears.  Ranging from a warm peach glow to a more temperate orange flush, Alpenglow suffuses all of the surrounding air turning the snow covered mountains to vivid shades of pink and coral; then seeps into your home with a peaceful radiance which will only last until the sun sets beneath the horizon.

Surprisingly, snow is not simply the pure white that one would expect.  On close scrutiny it can reveal every color of the palette, from the predominant shades of blue and purple owing to the sky's reflection, and varying to yellow, pink and red and more.  Snow is highly reflective and so reflects every color in the surrounding landscape much as water does, but in a more subtle and muted manner.  Never noticed red snow?  Check out the shadow cast by a red stop sign.  Within the shadow you will see a red reflection shaped like the stop sign.  As you gaze over a snow covered landscape you will begin to realize the snow is rarely, if ever, actually white.
Simply put, I enjoy painting winter scenes from Alaska because they are dear to my heart.  The quiet, muffled beauty of a snow covered world is almost beyond description.
"Lead Dog"  Oil on canvas 30" x 40"   
"Polar"  Oil on canvas 12" x 12"  SOLD

"In the Air" Oil on canvas 30" x 40" SOLD