Oil on canvas, 12″ x 24″ 

Who Rides The Mists

The title of this painting itself rode the mists to me. 

While wandering in a reverie through the soul-wrenching beauty of the misty mountains at dusk in the dark of the year,
the veils between the worlds thinned and I was swept up into the mystery. 

I heard the words “Who rides the mists” and this painting was conceived. 

As the mists transport me to an otherworld of bliss,
so the heavenly Swan signifies angelic grace and beauty. 

~~~

The wings in the painting are those of the Trumpeter Swan.
Ethereal creatures of Water and Air, the iconic Swan is said to straddle the worlds,
symbolizing the union of spirit and matter.
In Celtic culture they are believed to be the embodiment of celestial beings,
guiding angels of grace and freedom, who can open up otherworldly realms for us. 

. . .perhaps what you see in this painting is not a Swan at all, but rather an Angel 
. . . I leave it to you.

~~~~~

Trumpeter Swans overwinter in wetlands here in the Slocan Valley, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike. They are the largest waterfowl in North America, 6 feet long, weighing up to 25 pounds and with wingspans up to 10 feet. It is believed that they mate for life.