These branches set against the western sky were captured at 6:07 p.m., just 4 minutes past the winter solstice, the time at which the earth's northern axis is pointed the farthest away from the sun. It is the shortest day of the year, the first day of winter.

This starts my new series of photos called winterscapes, chronicling our mild Houston winter and the lengthening of days up to the first day of Spring, March 20.

On a further note, I have always admired the work of Gary P. Miller, a nationally recognized painter from North Dakota, my home state. He has been described as having "the heart of a pioneer and the vision of an explorer." His paintings reflect the rugged life of pioneers on the northern plains. It is his depiction of winter, delicate branches pencilled against the sky, that moves me most.

Winter is a time of year when the structure of things is revealed, bones of strength standing up to the harsh northern elements. It is a spare beauty, one that I have long cherished in my memories of growing up in the North.

winterscapes #1
December 21, 2014