In Loading Logs on the Farm, Berthe Des Clayes captures a crisp winter day in rural Canada with warmth and vitality. A brilliant red barn dominates the middle ground, its weathered boards glowing against the cool whites and blues of freshly fallen snow. The barn’s strong triangular roofline anchors the composition, while bare trees stretch upward at the right, their dark branches etched sharply against a luminous sky scattered with soft, billowing clouds.

In the foreground, two figures labour beside a horse-drawn sleigh. One man steadies a log while another bends forward, engaged in the physical effort of loading timber. The sturdy horse, harnessed and patient, stands at the centre of the activity, its weight and presence grounding the scene. Des Clayes’ brushwork is lively and textured, particularly in the snow, where strokes of cream, blue, and grey create depth and movement rather than flat whiteness.

The painting balances industry and tranquillity: the human and animal figures suggest hard rural work, yet the expansive sky and open field convey calm and clarity. The bright vermilion barn provides a dramatic focal point, contrasting beautifully with the subdued winter palette, and reflecting Des Clayes’ skill in combining Impressionistic light with solid, carefully structured forms.