It has been a suitably cold start to 2026, and we have enjoyed our first (and possibly only) snowfall of the season. I love how the quality of the light changes when everything is white, and it is even noticeable indoors, especially as you pass a window – there’s a particular brightness that brings me joy. It’s such a welcome sight on these cold, short winter days.
After the flurry of activity that comes with the end of December, and all its build up, January often feels like a bit of a slog to get through – all the sparkle of Christmas has gone and there’s nothing much to look forward to in the short term. No wonder it’s often the time when people start planning their Summer holidays! The dream of warm, sunny, relaxed days is so enticing when ordinary life feels so grey.
And yet, if we take the time to look, this season is also full of natural beauty: I really enjoy the rare day of sunshine, and the view of the blue sky through the bare branches. I love the sight of berries still waiting in the hedgerows, imagining the birds are waiting for them to reach absolute perfect ripeness. On a frosty morning, the sight of leaves and twigs fringed with sparkly white is magical. And, of course, even when the sky is heavy and grey, the birds are busy hunting and foraging, and I always love to catch a glimpse of a robin, a wren or a blackbird just going about their business.
Here is Grandpa’s collection of January prints from his Year of the Field series:
January I – an original lino print, around A3 size, available on Etsy.
Stan Cooper Prints 
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