Winter in the wild is a time of harsh existence.

However winter is also a period of incredible beauty, mysterious light, textured mountains, varied snow conditions and quiet nights.

It’s this beauty that watercolourist Doug Rutherford has captured in his first-ever solo exhibit, taking place at Yukon Artists at Work (YAAW).

Rutherford’s show, called Winter in the Kluane Ranges, runs until April 27.

Rutherford has long been inspired by the Yukon’s Kluane Ranges, which extend from the Tatshenshini Valley into the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and lie within the traditional territories of the Champagne and Aishihiik, Kluane and White River First Nations.

“These ranges are the definition of grandeur, and while tens of thousands of tourists flock to the area in the summer months, few outsiders make the journey to see the region in the winter,” Rutherford said.

The April 5 opening reception corresponded with a new initiative launched this month by YAAW and Arts Underground called “First Fridays”.

Members of the public are encouraged to take a self-directed art crawl between the two galleries on the first Friday of every month to enjoy art, snacks and refreshments.