James Keirstead

In Playing at the Backhouse Mill, James Keirstead captures the quiet magic of winter through a warmly nostalgic rural scene. A snow-laden landscape unfolds around the historic Backhouse Mill, its weathered wooden façade and large waterwheel partially veiled in drifting white. The mill’s textured timber siding—rendered in layered browns, greys, and creams—contrasts beautifully against the cool, luminous snow and soft, overcast sky.

In the foreground, four children animate the tranquil setting. Bundled in vibrant winter clothing—greens, blues, pinks, and purples—they climb and slide along the snowy slope, their small figures providing scale and vitality against the imposing structure of the mill. The bright garments punctuate the largely monochromatic winter palette, drawing the viewer’s eye and adding a sense of joy and movement.

Keirstead’s brushwork is expressive and confident, with thick impasto strokes shaping the snowbanks and trees. Frosted evergreens rise behind the mill, their forms softened by the weight of snow, while the subdued sky enhances the hush of a cold winter’s day. The composition balances architectural solidity with playful human presence, evoking themes of heritage, community, and childhood wonder.

The painting harmoniously blends rustic Canadian history with the simple pleasures of winter play, making it both picturesque and emotionally resonant.