One of the ways that I like to gather reference for my work is to get out at first light occasionally.
This is the time when some wildlife is active, yet more easily visible than at night, and the low light makes colours glow and shadows more interesting.
Last week I went to Cosby Art Club to demonstrate acrylic paints for them, and chose to do a snowy scene with a fox.
It wasn't completed in the afternoon, but after some more work later, I'm fairly satisfied with the image.