Evelyn Lloyd Coburn, “F.S. Coburn: Beyond the Landscape”, Erin, Ontario, 1996, pages 76-77; pages 89-91 for similar compositions by the artist from 1929
Evelyn Lloyd Coburn speaks to Frederick Coburn's search for a central theme in his work, beginning with Quebec winter scenes, where the painter first focused upon the landscape itself, drawing parallels from Maurice Cullen and the members of the Group of Seven. The artist further developed his scenes, introducing figures into his landscapes, following the lead of celebrated artists including Cornelius Krieghoff, Clarence Gagnon and Horatio Walker. Taking a break from a painting session, Coburn's eye would catch a scene which would transform his work and introduce his signature style. “Coburn was painting in his Melbourne studio one day when he paused to gaze through the window at the winter scene beyond. Just then, along the country road, on its way to the sawmill at Kingsbury, came a team of horses hauling a load of logs neatly piled on a sledge. Though this was familiar sight, it had never before registered on Coburn's creative mind. In that sudden moment of realization he discovered what would become his central theme: the horses and sleighs of the rural Quebec winter.”
