Dr. Edward Wilson was an English zoologist, physician, artist, and member of the "Terra Nova" expedition (1910–13) led by Robert Scott. He was also known for his watercolor landscapes. This one, in particular, was created during a major expedition called the "Winter Journey" to the emperor penguin colony. It is interesting that the temperature in those areas could reach −57 °C in winter.
The canvas is made with white-blue and gray shades of watercolor, which allows to convey the magical and frosty atmosphere of the arctic area. The author used soft strokes for the sea and sky, and clearer ones for the penguins and ice corners, which compositionally draws attention to the main objects. The contemplation of which, in fact, was the purpose of this expedition. And the deep perspective and the presence of other details, such as gulls, add even more dynamism to the canvas.