Winter is here in Boston! The excitement of the holiday season has come and gone but the cold remains. It can be hard to find motivation during these first few months of the year to embrace the winter activities. But we were inspired by the artworks selected for the Winter Harmony show and thought we’d share some snow-day activity ideas taken right from the paintings. This show doesn’t begin until February 23, so you get a sneak-peak at some of the amazing work that will be on view soon!
Pictured: Tom Grady, Sledding at QCC, oil on wood panel, 18 x 18”
Sledding, as Tom Grady would probably attest, is a classic winter sport. If you’re local to Boston, Sugar Bowl in Jamaica Plain and Larz Anderson Park in Brookline are two great options! Bring a sled, bring some skis, bring a lunch tray, or just go to watch others and remind yourself that winter can be fun.
Pictured: Mikel Wintermantel, CM, Winter Calm, oil on panel, 28 x 32”
If you’re looking for a more calming form of exercise, taking a walk through the woods is the perfect way to clear your mind after a long day. Most can agree that sunsets are particularly striking during the winter, there’s nothing quite like the glowing reflection of the setting sun off of freshly fallen snow. Bonus points if you discover a trail near a body of water as Mikel Wintermantel has done!
Pictured: Nicholas Read, CA, Winter Turnips, oil on board, 17 x 17”
After a walk through the woods or even the walk from your car into your house, cook a hot and nourishing meal to get warm. Nicholas Read reminds us that turnips are in season this month along with carrots, leeks, kale, potatoes and more! All great ingredients for soup…
Pictured: Hilary Baldwin, Boston Common Snow, oil, 22 x 25”
On the weekend, walk into town and treat yourself to a cup of coffee at your favorite local café. We could all use a hot cocoa these days and the small businesses could use our support! The Boston Common path, as Hilary Baldwin has depicted above, is a beautiful way to get to Newbury Street which is studded with cafes and, coincidentally, Co|So!
Pictured: Lori Mehta, CA, Snowed In, oil on cradled board, 31 x 25”
As the figure in Lori Mehta’s painting models, another perk of the winter is that it allows us to take time for ourselves. When it’s too cold to go outside, or your productivity has maxed out for the day, let yourself read, take a bath, cuddle with your dog. Any form of self-care is highly recommended during the winter (and during the rest of the year, but especially the winter!)
Pictured: Raymond Gilbert, Looking Through Winter’s Window, mixed medium on canvas, 21.5 x 17.5”
Lastly, take time to reflect, just as Raymond Gilbert has done. New Year’s resolutions aren’t only for January; you can continue to set intentions throughout the rest of the year. And, check in with yourself; How are your actions impacting others? Are you doing one thing each day that brings yourself joy? Be mindful about your goals and see what happens.
And, of course, come see these and so many other incredible works in person beginning February 23rd at Co|So. Our Winter Harmony show, opening March 2nd, is a perfect excuse to stay cozy indoors while viewing scenes that make you feel like you’re outdoors! More info about this event is on our website. See you there!