Tuesday 6 December 2011

Out in the Snow


Fritz and daughters heading out to enjoy the snow and scenery.
Black and white photography by Anette, December 1968

Quick pre-sketch of the painting under Fritz's arm in the photo above, found in the studio,
Saskatoon River Bank - likely the first motif painted after moving to the city.

Thursday 1 December 2011

A new Home


Towards the end of the first 2 months of prairie living, luck (and perserverence) had it, that the trips to nearby Saskatoon resulted in a house purchase. A rather small and less-than-dream-home type of house, but adequate accomodations for the new immigrants, and certainly adquate for the interim. Along with early December also came the much anticipated snow fall and cold prairie winter. A type of winter that Europeans aren't accustomed to at all.

A great little anecdote from that moment of this first and very basic accomplishment, is when the previous home owner drove away and left the family to fend for themselves for the first time since arriving. While Fritz was busy looking at the new 'four walls' and probably quite eager to paint over the 'horrible' colors, his wife rushed out with one last thought, and yelled across the street "Does the furniture work?" A very important question, with winter looming. But also, hopefully easily interpreted to the intended question regarding a functioning furnace.

The acquisition of any sort of 'workable' furniture is another story in itself. We had none at the time and were also eagerly anticipating the arrival of a small crate of belongings (and paintings!) that was shipped just before leaving Germany.