A Single Snowy Tree

A Single Snowy Tree, 2022

Soft pastel

9” x 12”

I received a gorgeous set of Sinnelier pastels from my sweet Todd, this past Christmas. Sinnelier is the creme d’la creme in the world of pastel drawing. The company, which hails from France, has been producing materials of the highest quality since 1887. The little sticks are composed of 100% pure pigment and the slightest touch results in a shocking amount of color transfer (transfer to the page, your hands, basically anything that comes into contact with these little guys is walking away colorful). 

I was more than a little star-struck as I carefully lifted the latch and opened the box for the first time. These were the very same pastels that Degas sketched his famous little ballerinas with! My heart was full of excitement as I gazed at the beautiful rainbow before me and the idea of actually drawing with them for the first time left me feeling equal parts eager and apprehensive. 

The month of January is a season of new beginnings. A time to set new goals and declare new resolutions. The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to establish healthy new habits and learn new things. So in the spirit of all this “newness” I decided that it was time - time to give it a shot! It was time for a new drawing with my new medium!  

I elected the snowy trees outside of my bedroom window as the subject of my first drawing of the new year. The snow has been pretty persistent here for quite some time now. We currently have several feet of accumulation on the ground. Small mountains exceed that height along the walkways, where it has been diligently shoveled and piled out of the way. The snow’s presence makes everyday tasks more challenging while simultaneously making everyday things more beautiful.  The trees in my backyard are still the same trees but, with a blanket of snow, the landscape has been magically transformed into a sparkling wonderland. I love this beautiful magic trick. I have rendered the snowy trees on our property before; I have painted them and drawn them many times. Much like Monet and his beloved haystacks, I don’t think I will ever tire of rendering them.

Beginnings can be hard. Trying to build up the courage and momentum to take that first step can feel daunting, especially after a long break. I find that if I can just break through and make that first stroke, the reward is tremendously satisfying. 

In my classes I would often encourage my students with this little pearl of wisdom, 

“Remember: you never have to render the entire scene. If you ever feel overwhelmed, it’s ok to focus in on just one object, and if you still feel that it is too much, then focus in further and draw just one area of that one object. Just one leaf, one fold of fabric, or one shadow can be a beautiful masterpiece in and of itself.” 

I was very grateful when the Holy Spirit reminded me of my own advice (He has a sense of humor that way). I was encouraged further when my sister confirmed this approach by admiring my “test tree” remarking, “oooo that’s going to be a cool composition.” I had only rendered a single tree to practice using my new pastels and work out my colors but, what do you know, it was a pretty cool composition! 

I had originally set out to draw an entire forest of trees; not an impossible task, but a challenge for sure. However, when I mentally shifted gears and focused in on one, just one single snowy tree, I could feel a sense of relief come over my spirit. I was no longer obligated and bound with the burden of rendering every branch, and every needle, on every tree in the forest but I was free to enjoy a nice relaxing time drawing just one tree with God. And once I got going, I couldn’t imagine why I would ever stop! 

I would love to hear about your goals for the new year! Please post your goals and project ideas for 2022 in the comment section below so we can encourage and pray for one another :)