"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New Year's Eve at Lake Tahoe

Squaw Valley Resort - home of the 1960 Winter Olympics

No lines at the ski lift!


Hot chocolate by the roaring outdoor fireplace.

Icicles at least 3 feet long!

Large boats on Lake Tahoe shrink wrapped for the winter.

View from Mount Rose over Lake Tahoe looking south.

Sunset over the lake. It was not quite frozen but the water was stiff with the cold. It was 23 degrees F when I took this photo.
It was such a glorious day - cold and crisp and exhilarating! The final view (I could not get a photo) on the drive home from the summit (9000 feet) of Mount Rose was of the city of Reno carpeted in snow from end to end - breathtaking. The entire day was a feast for the eyes and a banquet for the soul - a lovely way to wrap up 2012.

I normally do not make resolutions for the new year but I do hope to be more rigorous in my approach to painting this year - more disciplined. I hope to begin the year with life drawing sessions and long days at the easel. I can't wait to see what surprises and delights 2013 holds! A happy, prosperous, healthy and creative New Year is wished for all!

12 comments:

  1. WOW, Susan, what wonderful photographs! They belong in a tourist brochure!

    The English weather is crazy: after the wettest year on record, instead of wind and snow we are caught in a south easterly wind bringing warm air up from the Sahara Desert.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My new camera has a tendency to take great shots, John - I am pleased! We are just coming out of a 10 day stretch of a deep freeze - the kind that makes my teeth chatter even when dressed in innumerable layers. This winter is showing me what its really like to live on the side of a mountain in the Sierra Nevada foothills. I am just now learning to acclimate! Sounds like a touch of Spring for you!

      Delete
  2. Such beautiful photo's!
    Let's hop for a very creative New-Year! :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that is a wonderful goal for this brand new year!

      Delete
  3. Absolutely breathtaking! Looking forward to your paintings in 2013!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Hilda - I am looking forward to seeing what 2013 holds as well. I feel like the sky is the limit for us!

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. I spent the day just drinking in the beauty through my senses!!

      Delete
  5. Love the trip down memory lane. My brother in law has a lovely place in Lake Tahoe and we have many great times to remember. We now choose to go in the summer - do not ski.
    Hope you will manage to keep your resolution to paint more, Susan because I love your work.
    Happy Painting and creative new year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was the first time we went during the winter. I was impressed that the roads were completely clear and there were no issues with the drive. Happy painting to your too, Julie!

      Delete
  6. Beautiful pictures of Lake tahoe! All the best for this new year !

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was all so breathtaking, Helen! I have a great many photos from that day trip. Thank you for stopping by and for taking a moment to comment - much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!