Alps Orchard.
 Pierre Marcel. February 2002,  Saint-Bon-Courchevel, Haute-Savoie, France.
Acrylic on canvas  55 x 46 Cm (22 x 18 Inches) 
Private collection, France.

Story:
   The model.
I went for a winter vacation in the Courchevel area of the Alps, February 9 and February 16 2002.   The chalet - a "Gites De France"- was located in the village of Saint Bon Courchevel, Savoie, and while my friends and their children went skiing, I set up my easel in the village. Luckily, I found some magnificent apple trees! I was more interested in their tortuous postures than in the large vistas around me (coming from Miami, I am not particularly drawn to snow and cliffs!).  I did not see how I could render that sort of grandeur on my canvases and so, once again, I focused on humbler motifs, motifs which are closer to my new home, Normandie, and its Edenesque mystic apple orchards.

 

Comments:

Marie Bluemarie's http://Bluema.com 

So, here is your look at the mountain without the "chalets"!...beautiful. Really!
It's very well done and could be true. You used the snow spread on the hedge of the hill to cut the vertical line done by a branch's shadow from the first one, and the second tree, so that the tree doesn't seem hidden anymore, and as it is cut,  it gives a sensation close to "Labours a Guerny". ( it is amazing!) . Sensation of  freedom.
The one you had when taking the houses off in your mind, for sure ! That first tree who suffered in the cold wind is so nice!

It is clear you enjoyed your time though your hands were freezing!