When looking at a classic painting of a winter scene, it almost feels warmly romantic. Of course there is nothing romantic about the experience of cold winter storms. We Americans have been recently reminded of the harshness that bitter cold brings. Nevertheless, when I look at paintings like the one below I don't think of being out in the cold, I think of home, shelter, comfortable food and loving family. Seeing the cold scene brings to mind thoughts of protection from the storm. It's an odd emotion in response to such a painting, but the painting does not appear to be painted to create cold emotions. There are warm colors of brown and black with flowing waters and men working as a team. There is the shelter of the ship and the sense of adventure that comes from trying to navigate the Thames in Ice. It's amazing to me that paintings can depict one thing, here a winter storm, but produce emotions not experienced by being actually present in the scene. It reminds me that if I do find myself in a harsh storm, that on the other side of the storm is the warm comfort of home and family. I hope you enjoy Whistler's
The Thames in Ice. And I hope that no matter how cold it gets you find warm comfort in your life.
