I love Stick Season.
11.16.23 ©2023 Elizabeth Fram, Pastel and colored pencil, 8 x 5 inches
It’s prized by locals as the sweet period between fall and winter when pretty much everybody from away, stays away. But I’m more fond of it as the landscape’s last hurrah before the snow arrives.
11.20.23 ©2023 Elizabeth Fram, Pastel and colored pencil, 5 x 8 inches
It’s not as showy as September and October, but the russets, golds and olives of November have their own richness, especially when backed by a crisp blue sky or the drama of heavy purple-grey clouds.
11.24.23 ©2023 Elizabeth Fram, Pastel and colored pencil, 7-5/8 x 9-3/4 inches
Once again we become reacquainted with the structure of the trees that had been hidden by leaves since Spring. Lingering apples and the garnet red fruit in a stand of sumac brighten barren, grey branches like premature holiday ornaments.
11.18.23 ©2023 Elizabeth Fram, Pastel and colored pencil, 5 x 8 inches
In the early evening, the sometimes subtle, sometimes shocking gradations of a sunset’s colors can be viewed through the dark lines and silhouettes of leafless sentinels, often accented with an early star.
12.08.23 ©2023 Elizabeth Fram, Pastel and colored pencil, 5 x 8 inches
And before we know it, snow covers the mountains and a new season begins. Such is the beauty of Vermont.
Side Note: Can’t write about this subject without referencing Noah Kahan’s hit Stick Season, from the album of the same name
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For those of you who celebrate, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. And for those who don’t, may the weeks ahead be a period of cozy respite and peace.
As ever, thank you for joining me here.
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It’s that time of year and we’re all feeling it. Take a break from the holiday flurry; there are still two more weeks to visit Who Are We? Pieces of the Identity Puzzle at the Satellite Gallery in Lyndonville, VT. (Scroll down the page of the above link for more photos and information).
Image: Eroded Boundaries, detail, ©2022 Elizabeth Fram, Watercolor, graphite and embroidery on paper, 9.5 x 12 inches
It’s wonderful to see the seasons through your eyes. So many similarities to the “Stick Season” on this coast. We share the same sky in this perfect season. Happiest of holidays to you and yours.
Thanks for this Kate It took me a while to get used to the northern CA seasons when we lived in SF, but I loved it. I will admit to turning my back to the windows on foggy days and pretending it was snowing out, as the light is similar. Best wishes for the new year.
“In the early evening, the sometimes subtle, sometimes shocking gradations of a sunset’s colors can be viewed through the dark lines and silhouettes of leafless sentinels, often accented with an early star.”
And in the morning too! Love to see the “bones” of the trees, all, like humans, in different configurations.
“Bones” is such a great description! Right down to the rattling in the wind
Lovely watercolors! Such tenderness.
Happy holidays to you too!
Thanks Dian – all the best…
The other day my husband and I were commenting on how we miss the North Country, particularly the tang in the air during autumn’s color change and dropping of leaves. Here in Florida, while there are some seasonal variations of green, we’re pretty much always “in leaf.”
Thank you Betsy for sharing your musings and art which brought back forgotten memories of standing/walking outdoors in winter breathing in the frigid air while enjoying the stark beauty of the barren trees standing against a cold winter sky.
Wishing you all the best of the Holiday Season! Diane Harris
How nice to hear from you Diane! I’m glad this post brought back pleasant memories. My guess is you don’t miss the shoveling, but sweater weather and a snap in the air makes for a lovely change. You’ll have to venture back up this way sometime. Happy Holidays!
I really love seeing your paintings. They are beautiful.. beautiful use of color, compostiton, frames like out our window or down the road nearby. Thanks so much for sharing them! xo
Thanks so much Liz – we’re lucky to have such beautiful surroundings, aren’t we?