This 12 inch x 12 inch painting by Cindy Mason, depicts a winter landscape and is painted with a monochromatic palette. The painting prominently features six bare trees with slender trunks and no visible branches, positioned in the foreground upon a snowy hill. The bareness of the trees and the snow upon the ground aid in capturing that atmospheric expression of winter. The snow is depicted using different shades and tones of white and grey, to portray the texture and dimensions of the snow and how it aimlessly falls upon the uneven ground. In the background, a dark sky looms over the tranquil scene and a presumably dense forest, as it is a bit darker just past the snow and below the lighter grey sky, is seen in the distance. The overcast sky, painted in various shades of grey, creates a sense of depth and distance, and enhances the mood of the scene, accentuating the contrast between the white snow and the darkened surroundings.

The artist, Cindy Mason, is from Oklahoma City and is a self-taught watercolor and acrylic painter who has studied with a number of notable artists Oklahoma and Texas. Her work has shown in regional exhibitions, group shows, traveling shows, and festivals. She has been accepted as a part of the Oklahoma City Pre-qualified Artist Pool for Projects under $25,000. Her work has also been included in several publications. Mason has been a professional artist for over thirty years. Starting in watercolor, she chose bold, clear colors and an impressionistic style. Then approximately twenty years ago, she began working with acrylics.

Recently, Mason has developed a series of black and white paintings. “I have always loved charcoal drawings,” commented Mason. “One particular day I began wondering if I could use paint to have the same affect as my charcoal drawings. I have been very pleased and excited with the outcome. Not only does the paint have the same look as charcoal, I enjoy the moods and vaues I can express using just black and white paint.”

About ten years ago, Mason began teaching painting at two Michael’s locations. She discovered how much she enjoyed teaching. Soon after that, she had the opportunity to lead classes at Chesapeake Energy as a part of their health and wellness program. Mason has also led classes at NewView Oklahoma for visually impaired adults, creating ways for the adults to learn to paint with acrylics – a medium that could be considered daunting to a visually impaired and blind adults; NorthCare, adults with emotional and mental issues; seniors at Woodson Activity Center and Will Rogers Activity Center; St. Anthony’s Behavioral Unit for youth; an after school art program with Cristo Rey High School, in addition to private and contract paint groups. For the last two years Mason has led a monthly Paseo Paint and Palette event.

Mason has been the juror of the OCCC Arts Fest of Oklahoma, judged the Hobart Arts Festival, Yukon high school art show, and the Sapulpa arts festival for four years. She has curated a number of art shows.