Prairie Pastels and Winter Watercolors

Saskatoon Riverbank - Pastel 1972

 There is undeniable beauty in winter scenes of any type. Perhaps it's the 'clean' look of the white snow that blankets the landscape, perhaps it's how it brings out the few colors in contrast. However it is seen, it must have been an inspiration to Fritz, as he was known to quickly pack up his materials and head out into the snow. He often mentioned that oils and pastels work best outdoors, due to

Saskatoon Skyline - Watercolor

freezing temperatures that make water colors and acrylics more of a challenge. Certainly there were many other challenges in the sometimes inaccessible locations Fritz wanted to get his motifs from. The glistening prairie snow was often deceivingly deep for simple boots or the small vehicles he drove, resulting in adventures that Fritz had not planned for. These, sometimes  amusing, stories are as much a part of the memories, as the beauty and history that his paintings hold and preserve.

Winter in '59

Winter in Dätzingen, 1959, from the Archives in Saskatoon

Pleasant memories remain with paintings of the far-too-few snowfalls in southern Germany. Winter paintings are many, of the prairies and Saskatoon skylines, but ones from the 1960s in Germany are scarce. Below are two more favorites, just recently 're-discovered' via communication through this blog. They are part of the collection of the Ebner family and were photographed and graciously made available to post. It is very exciting to be able to see them again, and also to expand the database of the Stehwien works in this way. Thank you to the owners!  

Winter in Döffingen, 1960s

Winter in Döffingen area, 1960s