February, 2004
volume 2 number 2

They say that this past January was one of the coldest on record in Vermont. Something tells me that they are right! But living in the "banana belt" of Vermont (furthest south and lowest in elevation), we don't really have it that bad. It has been in the minus-teens a few times and the river is frozen over quite solidly. But I still find that a crisp, cold day in the winter is extraordinarily beautiful. Deep blue shadows just seem to do something magical to my imagination! After 10 years in Alaska and 17 years in Vermont, I still love the snow and find it a continuing source of inspiration.

The Connecticut River from The Artist's Loft

"First Light on the Connecticut River" Oil on Museum Board 10" x 16"

My painting has taken a bit of a rest for the past couple of weeks. I have been building frames for the next round of paintings while preparing panels and canvases for the same. I have also been getting paintings together for my next solo exhibit at the offices of the Governor of Vermont. For those of you who did not receive an invitation, I was invited to display my paintings in Montpelier (at Governor Douglas' office - not Howard Dean). It is an honor for me and I am looking forward to setting it up tomorrow. The show opens on my birthday, the 4th, with a reception on the 11th. Here's the official information:

An Invitational Exhibit of Paintings by William H. Hays, "To Vermont From The Heart"

February 4th through March 31st, 2004
Open Monday-Friday, 8-4:30
At the Office of the Governor of Vermont, James Douglas
5th Floor, Pavilion Office Building
109 State St., Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(entrance on Gov. Davis Avenue side)

You are cordially invited to attend an opening reception to meet the artist and the Governor on Wednesday, February 11th, 3-5 PM

And you are cordially invited to the reception! I would love to see you there! The Governor will be there to say a few words and I am looking forward to meeting him on the 11th. If you can't make the show, you can take a look at the selection of paintings on the website by clicking here.

In the meantime, I have also been adding some new pages to the website that I hope you'll enjoy. First, I have gone back through some of the stories that have been published in various newspapers and periodicals. The articles are about Brattleboro, The Artist's Loft, and yours truly. I also included a couple of articles that I wrote for The Artist Magazine and American Artist Magazine. I think you'll like them. I have also added a few of the most recent paintings to a new gallery of works. There are some new landscapes and recent portraits.

And so I'll leave you with a recent oil landscape that pretty well sums up the winter weather. Gallery Walk is this Friday. If you find yourself in the area, I hope you'll drop by to say hello!

"Winter Stream II" Oil on Panel 16" x 23"

Thanks for looking at my work. Drop by any time if you are in the area!

Yours,

William H. Hays