This vintage paint-by-number showing a playful winter snow scene is sheer brilliance and it’s part of Nicole and Tony’s collection. Nicole and Tony got married at the MacCallum House in Mendocino last June, but I happened to see this when we were doing their engagement portrait session in San Francisco last March.

I’ve been saving this winter scene for an appropriately chilly winter day (today!) and also because it cheers me up with its ambiguity. I suspect that this work of art may not even be from a paint-by-number kit, but rather someone’s crazy sense of humor.

At first, it seems we are looking at a pleasant winter scene of people out ice skating, enjoying nature and the rugged outdoors. But then I start to wonder. Why is one person on the ground? Is that person being tickled? Playfully tackled? Rescued from an unfortunate fall? If so, why is everyone else standing around watching? Even those folks off in the distance. Is it a fight and they can’t take their eyes away, like some kind of crazy car accident? Are they perhaps goading them on? Maybe the person is being mugged?

What a combination of calm and tension.

I’m left to ponder this work of genius. If you have theories behind the meaning (and possibly know who the artist is), please please tell me!

SUZI Q | QWEDDINGS Wedding Photography Austin, Texas