This painting was started last year on Inauguration Day.  I rarely sit down to relax during the day, but this was a must, I was excited to see Mr. Obama sworn in and all the pomp and circumstance, what Michelle and the girls would be wearing, and all the lumineries.  It had snowed many days previous , and the creek less than a mile from my house had frozen partially .  I live in a magnificent corner of the world with creeks running under beautiful stone bridges, and lots of farmland with cows grazing.  My plan was to watch Mr. Obama become the next president with a lovely cup of hot tea in hand, and then bundle up to try and paint "plein air", or on site.   It was very cold, and the paint became stiff, but I managed to quickly get down what I wanted in a short  time, maybe an hour. I was pumped, as the inauguration was so moving.   The glorious speech made by Mr. Obama, and a landmark day in history seeing the first black man as president made me feel good about the future.    I finished the painting just recently a year later going out onsite a few more times. It was a very exciting day.  for more scenes winter or  otherwise go to www.dorispector.com