Multiple Things Can Be True

I went to Breckenridge to catch the fall foliage, but out of nowhere, a freak snowstorm hit. It created such an incredible contrast — colorful fall leaves still clung to the trees, while snow blanketed the ground and rocks, with leaves scattered through the snow. It felt surreal, like fall and winter were colliding.

As I painted, I used different techniques to reflect the essence of each element. The mountains take on a more illustrative feel, the water is more wavy, the rocks are softly blended, the leaves are textured with a palette knife, and the snow is applied in a flatter, smoother way. There’s a lot happening, just like that moment when the seasons overlapped. Yet somehow, it all works together.

As I reflected, I realized this painting became more than just a scene of changing seasons. It was a metaphor for life’s complexity — a reminder that multiple things can be true at once. I can feel joy and sadness, love and loss, all at the same time. Just as fall and winter shared the same space for a moment, this piece captures the beauty in holding conflicting emotions. It’s a temporary state, but there’s harmony in it. The painting is a reminder that even in life’s transitions, different truths can coexist and create something unexpectedly beautiful.

Dimension: 10”W x 30”H x ⅞”D
Medium: Acrylic on canvas