A wide frozen pond fills the heart of this quiet winter valley, dotted with about forty tiny skaters in muted coats. Some hold hands, and a woman in a faded red coat leads a small child near the front.

Sage-green pines dusted with snow frame the scene, with bare trees, small snow-roofed cottages and rolling hills fading into pale mist. Thick palette-knife strokes and a soft, overcast glow give the storybook oil painting a serene, nostalgic and gently whimsical feel.