Garden in Winter by Jack Beder is a 18 x 22 oil painting acquired directly from the estate.

An orange birdhouse, a growing pine tree, bare shrubbery sticking out from the fallen snow, and the back porch of the home. All these entities complement, give colour, and encompass the personality of the house and backyard during this bleaker season. With a nod to the winter conditions, the slope of the snow from the wind is made from a purple-blue shade that has fallen around the yard. The dusting has also covered the roofs of the houses, creating a blanket of snow matching the two neighbours. That same purple-blue shade is continued to the tint of the windows, keeping the privacy of the dwelling to the family. Beder’s daughter, Karen, inspired by his love of gardening and nature, obtained a PhD in botany from British Columbia University, Simon Fraser.

Here’s a quote from Beder’s journal about his love for his garden;

“In the first years of our residence here, I was able to roam all over, summer and winter; I encountered various small animals such as field mice squirrels, rabbits muskrats in the swampy areas, and foxes. I discovered various field and woodland flowering plants and shrubs some off which I transplanted in our garden, others I used for still life painting.”

The brushstrokes emphasize the movement of the snow and the structure of the houses, utilizing detail and colour to create an unforgettable composition. The heart of the piece is in the personal perspective of the backyard.

This piece was displayed in our Rookleys exhibition, Jack Beder: Life and Art in Canada.