For the Joy

Original oil on canvas 12 x 31.8 inches / limited edition giclee print /600

“There is an unforgettable joy of running in fresh snow – for musher and dogs alike. This light, colourful painting reflects this simple pleasure, warmed by the dogs’ enthusiasm and eagerness to go.

The inspiration for this piece was just as magical as the scene is representing. Tired of training for a race in the Alaskan winter, weak and occasionally hallucinating from lack of sleep, I once again hooked up dogs to go running. I moved on autopilot, not noticing the fresh snow and thick flakes purifying the landscape. In one glance, I saw the energy from the dogs themselves. Their eagerness to go, their energy quite literally turned to colours as they jumped up, barking and ready to run. I watched it for a minute, bewildered, inspired. I wanted to recreate the scene I witnessed that day. The dogs start in the dark blue night sky and look to be heading towards the day. It is day. It is simply joyful. They are happy, free, and keen to go, enjoying a special moment.

To recreate the image I used the Siberians from English Champions, both Melanie Hannam’s and Rob Cooke’s dogs… Zala, Daisy and Kermit are the front leaders in this painting.

My signature style is still very prominent here. The loose, confident work of paint, allowing paint to simply be. Playful with the splats and movement in the background, until it actualises in the foreground as a detailed pictorial representation.”

A custom print was donated in aid of Willow Fire Support UK, as many mushers lost their homes in 2015. It was auctioned, and raised $1,250.