Winter scenes
Painters from schools in the north liked to portray winter scenes. At the heart of a nature gripped by ice or collapsing under the weight of snow, they depicted people braving the winter elements or enjoying themselves, ice-skating on frozen rivers. The impressionists worked with the monochrome and with the lighting effects created by the snow; the impasto of white is iridescent with touches of blue and broken strokes. In the 20th century, these areas of white were juxtaposed with strong colours, breaking the perspective. Winter scenes have always inspired artists. Although they can sometimes be harsh or monotonous, they often evoke tranquillity and calm.
