When a rare First Snow fell on the brilliant autumn woods near my home town of Placerville, I rejoiced. The air was radiant with the lights of two seasons - the flaming golds and muted greens of the autumn woods, and the dazzling white of a new winter snow. The transition from one season to another is filled with wonder. When, as in First Snow, the dramatic change is the work of a single night, the effect can be startling and thrilling. I painted First Snow years ago, but beauty is the gift that goes on giving.