×

‘Winter Light’ opening reception is next week

“Saranac Twilight,” oil, 12”x12” (Provided art — Sandra Hildreth)

SARANAC LAKE — What is “winter light?” It’s when the snow-covered mountains turn magenta with the last rays of the setting sun. It’s when the dark forest is suddenly bright as beams of light cut through the bare trees and reflect off the snow. It’s when the pink and gold of a brilliant sunrise pours color onto ice, snow and open water. And it is on the crisp, frigid, bright days when intense blue shadows rake across the blanketed ground.

The oil paintings in “Winter Light,” the December featured artist exhibit at the Adirondack Artists Guild, are by longtime member Sandra Hildreth. The exhibit went on display starting Dec. 1, and the opening reception will be held Friday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Spending much of the year outdoors doing plein air paintings, which often capture the passage of time over the course of the hours it takes to complete a painting, Hildreth completed most of the paintings in this exhibit in her studio. This allowed her more time to study and focus on the unique qualities of light in the Adirondack winter. The paintings also illustrate the many different colors of snow other than brilliant white (and not dirty brown).

Hildreth taught high school art for 31 years, retiring from Madrid-Waddington Central School in 2001 to become a full-time artist. She joined the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery in 2003 and bought a house in Saranac Lake in 2004.

–

“McKenzie in Winter,” oil, 9”x12”, plein air, March 11, 2025 (Provided art — Sandra Hildreth)

Also in December

–

“The Holiday Salon: Art Under $100” will be a separate display of small, gift-sized works, with a special cookies and cocoa reception on Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today