Cains Cross

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I have been walking through the woods lately, searching for color in a landscape of white snow, blue shadows, gray vertical tree trunks, under a ceiling of neutral gray or celestial blue, depending on the weather.

On this day, in a cold valley, I found the color I was looking for in the eddy of a stream. Late afternoon bronze and brass on the water's surface, caught my eye, and eerily, the mysterious shadows of a cross, floating below the substantial weight of fallen crossed trunks, snow laden. The symbol of the cross, wherever it is appears, is profound, weighted with feeling.

It just so happens that the trail that runs along this stream, is commemorated to George C. Cain, a fire fighter who gave his life on September 11th, 2001 in the demise of the World Trade Center. I suppose it is the hand of Mother Nature who laid these trees down, creating her own tribute to a good man.

- Nancy Boudreau

Below I include a picture of the art studio, where the painting was created, working from a photo taken during a recent hike in Walter G Merritt Park, aka Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area, in Patterson, New York.

This painting is about 5" x 7" acrylic on gessoed mat board, protected in a cream-colored mat. As with all these little studies, the text above is handwritten on the back of the painting, which is also signed and dated. For comments and queries, please feel free to contact me directly at: nb@nboudreau.com