Winter Thaw

by Igor Zenin

A gnarled, leafless tree leans out over dark, half-frozen water, its bare branches doubled in a faint reflection on the still surface. The near-monochrome palette and standing water give the scene a heavier, wetter feel than a typical snow landscape — winter loosening its grip rather than holding tight. Winter Thaw catches that in-between moment when frozen ground starts giving way to water again.