The shortest day of the year marks the beginning of winter. We think of winter as cold and dark but in actuality it is the point of turning around and lengthening. Instead of growing shorter, each day grows longer. And just as our perception of winter as darkness our perception of winter as dormancy is a misconception. The strength in the trees comes from the winter. It is winter when the roots, no longer competing with the leaves, go deep and establish a strong foundation.

This painting is a celebration of hidden strengths.