Hunting for a painting

For some time now I have been 'planning' a painting in my head.  It started one day a couple of years ago when I was driving across the bridge over the river while the sun was setting and noticed how gorgeous the light on the water with the ice on it was.  I couldn't get it out of my head.  

Since then I have tried on several occasions to capture a similar view.  I have taken numerous photos.  I have looked up the sunset times and checked the ice structure, I have driven to several different bridges, I have hiked a number of kilometres along paths but it has been elusive.  

There hasn't been enough ice and I've got the sun in the wrong 'spot'.  Then there was too much ice and no water showing through.

I've planned wrong and arrived too late for the setting sun, or clouds have blocked any reflections on water.

Yesterday was an okay day.  Not quite matching my vision in my head but elements were there.  I had some open water, some lovely sky colour and reflected light.  the rest I will make up as I go along.

... and so I have begun.  I will try and post a process painting as I go along in the next few days.