"This is a realistic, stratus cloud sky that has more to give. The thick dark clouds tell us they are full and ready to produce more snow...or rain. We can't tell the actual temperature, except to note that the light dusting of snow has fallen upon an area that was not quite ready for it. The trees and shrubs still have leaves on them."
We are standing on a rise, enabling us to "get the big picture," to see clearly and way off to the distant horizon. Notice that the river is wide at our end and then trails off, making a kind of S-curve, disappearing with a very delicate, thin line. There is a steep descent to our left where the snow looks deeper. In front of us and towards the right, there is a lone tree, exposed and perhaps wind-lashed. Its branches are silhouetted against the dark sky.
Notice the snow hasn't stayed on the trees. Perhaps the wind has taken it down. The wind has also blown the snow up the hill on the other side of the river, leaving the ground exposed. It seems to have been a light snow, not heavy, icy or wet. This is indeed an early snow — there are autumn colors in some of the trees down between ourselves and the river. And the native plants still have green in them. Perhaps there are even birds which have not yet migrated.
In the seminary I'd take long winter walks through the woods down to the harbor. I remember the low sky, the raw biting cold and the sound of the chickadee, the wind and the frozen snow underfoot.
Vasily Polenov has opened up a scene that feels clean and tranquil. The sky, snow, trees and bushes, air and colors are all one in a lovely harmony. This contemplative painting invites peace, deep breathing and reflection — perhaps even tears.
