“Sleigh Ride on the Ave”, Lorraine Young, soft pastels on Canson Mi-Teintes Touch, 15 ¼” x 10 ½’ $200 unframed
There is something magical about a winter sleigh ride, even when it’s in the middle of of a bustling city just before Christmas, instead of on an idyllic country road. Thanks to Edmonton’s Old Strathcona-Whyte Avenue and to Longriders , for the opportunity in mid-December to hop on a horse-drawn wagon and take a ride around the city’s Whyte Avenue shopping district. A brief warm spell had caused much of the snow to melt, but the sound of the horses’ hooves clomping along the streets in time with the jingling of their bells helped to keep Christmas spirits high.
For this painting, I wanted snow (that wasn’t in my reference photo!). I looked out the window and got my inspiration – we’re knee deep in it now, and the cold is back too!
This was a lovely experience and everyone seemed to be having a great time. A word to the wise for anyone planning on doing this activity: bring an outdoor cushion. Wagon seats are hard and wet and cold.