So maybe this isn’t an official first time release, as if you met me in Minneapolis, MN or Stowe, VT this past September/October then you have seen it. And also, it has been up on the website gallery since October as well. But, seeing as how I have never highlighted the release to all of you and you may have not seen it yet, I felt it was due to spotlight this as well as six other images that were shown for the first time this past Fall.
You will notice the presentation of the photograph below as slightly different. The frame around it is an actual picture I have taken of one of my framed pieces (obviously hollowed out so I can drop whatever image I want in). I’ve been stewing over ways to spice up, if you will, or separate the look of an actual photograph in my portfolio as opposed to just my iPhone pics when I share them. I also thought this would be nice as it shows off an example of my custom framework as well! ;-) I hope you enjoy the presentation and the depth I think it helps to create.
One more thing before getting into it - I hope over the next week or so to be able to begin getting photographs up for direct sale on the website. This has been a back and forth debate I have had for several years as to keep it intimate or be able sell with the click of a button (and all the possible benefits and headaches that could go along with that lol!). I want to at least give it a try for a bit and see how things go… So hopefully in the not too distant future, when I release an image, and/or any others in the collection, you can go to the purchasing page and order if you like without necessarily having to contact me. I still have some kinks to work out, but I’ve got my thinking cap on.
Alright, the first of 7 “new” release spotlights I currently have on stock comes from one of my favorite places on Earth (actually all seven come from my two favorite places on Earth so far;-)), the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont - a “Kingdom of Winter”…
From my journal entries January 30th, 2019 and February 9th, 2020 - Alderbrook Cottage, A Tiny House in the Woods…
“These past few days have been something out of a pure Winter dream, void of time and space. I don’t think my words can or will really ever be able to comprehend it. Chalk it up to being just part of the New England charm.
Anna and I arrived in Vermont Saturday evening the 26th of January after making my artwork delivery to a wonderful couple in Medford, Massachusetts. We found Kingdom Taproom for dinner and local brews in St. Johnsbury before getting settled at the Inn by the River in Hardwick, VT. A lovely little inn in a quaint little town, the likes I am convinced only New England can produce. On the morning of the 27th we dined on Jasper Benedicts at the Village Restaurant, reveling in our eggs benedict smothered in world-class Jasper Hill cheese while snow came falling down in this beautiful, charming town. After picking up some supplies, and a few drives back and forth on the road looking for our parking, we arrived here at 3pm.
Facing a ridge rolling with Spruce, Fir, and Birch and crossing a footbridge over the stream and up the rocky, snow covered steps into the forest, our tiny home cabin awaited… The fact that it snowed all afternoon and evening upon our arrival only added to the quintessential Vermontness of our adventure!
These three days have been everything one could want Winter in Vermont to be… Snow, fresh powder sticking to the evergreens and hardwoods. Cold, crisp clean air, single digits to negatives in crystal clear blue skies and dark rich star filled nights. Sitting by the wood stove, cozy and warm, snuggling with my love, eating world-class cheeses, drinking world-class beers, cooking meats, grilled sandwiches and beef stew all upon the wood fire stove top. Relaxing, playing Scrabble and drinking coffee and tea while eating maple cookies and reading, re-connecting…
The wonders of Winter are alive and well in this place more than any other I have ever witnessed. The silence and pure clean air are a testimony to this snowy kingdom and the true majesty of the season. And being able to share this with Anna, whom I just admired breathing in the brisk glory outside the cabin window only adds warmth to the heartiness of my soul.
Snow, falling down again. Sparkling diamond-dusted snowflakes adding inches to the feet already piled up upon the ground down there somewhere. Hiking, rather trudging, through knee-high, waist-high snow depending how deep I might fall in with each step, I explored the forest of this ridge amongst blissful quiet, peace, and solitude. It makes me feel like a kid again, buried this deep in snow and calm and quiet amongst this wooded Winter haven.
It all seems like a dream, yet I am acutely aware that I am living it - this snow draped dream, one of magic in the Kingdom of Winter.”
All my best until next time,
Brandon
“Kingdom of Winter” - Brandon Kline
Frame View
“Kingdom of Winter” - Brandon Kline
Plain View