Father Christmas on the Path

 

With pen and ink I capture Santa on his rounds.  Diamine's Nostalgia is a lovely warm shade from Day 10 of their Inkvent Calendar.  I've penned one of our chickens in, as she follows Santa down the path.  The presents are all set under the tree, stockings are hung, as I listen to the sweet notes of Michael strumming on his guitar.  It's so nice having him home for Christmas Eve. I've missed this boy's guitar playing before bed each night. Painting number 4740 in 4740 days. 

Father Christmas in Copper

I've missed working the metal, and this time of year it calls me to it's side. Father Christmas is a perfect subject for the vintage feel of copper.  I'd planned to do several this season, but time grows short. Perhaps I'll have more time in January - one can only hope!  This miniature artwork is the 4001st in 4001 days.  Wowza! 

Father Christmas in Metal

purchase here

I have been wanting to work a Father Christmas in metal all month - and today is my first chance!  I got some fun new sculpting tools with one of my "Celebration" awards - a gift card from Dick Blick, and I have been chomping at the bit to try them!  The metal of the styluses can be a bit abrasive as I sculpt, but the wooden tools were a pleasant surprise!  I can press rather hard, and get a smoother result than with the plastic tool of the same shape.  So fun to explore this medium!  Painting number 2554 in 2554 days. 

Old Saint Nick

On December 3rd, I will be painting a live Santa at GotArt Gallery in Lee's Summit from 3:00 to 5:00.  I will have several Santa paintings as week as 10 miniatures showing for the Holiday Show opening December 1st.  I am using only my black and white acrylics and a dry brush technique for this one, which is so effective when doing portrait work!  This painting makes 1412 in 1412 days :)

Santa and His Pack

Santa and His Pack
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
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Another late night to the easel - but oh, what a productive day!  Feeling more vintage today than yesterday, I am painting Santa in nostalgia.  The days are dwindling before my company arrives, and I am pouring far too much into every minute! Dad is still healthy, and each holiday is a gift to rejoice in.  With so many things to take care of, I am checking my list, and checking it twice, too!  I am back to acrylics today, but who knows where I'll be tomorrow.  I just hope I get to the easel earlier!  This time of year is SO CRAZY BUSY!  It is late, and my image is not very good on this post - but I will try to get a better one tomorrow.  Painting number 1070 in 1070 days :)

Father Christmas 2015

Father Christmas
Acrylic on masonite, 7x5
purchase here

Today finds me painting, while Mike is out shopping with Michaela on Black Friday!  As my closest friends know, I do not like shopping - and Mike is the King of Christmas Shopping in our family.  So, after a full day of cooking, cleaning and family fun on Thanksgiving, I now have the gift of a quiet house with all chores finished.  It is the absolute best time to paint!  I love all things vintage and antique, and that love is permeating my painting this morning.  This year, I want to paint several different Santas to use in my Christmas cards, so this another for my series.  The layers of paint build up to a wonderfully nostalgic rendering on this icy day.  I am reveling in this new acrylic technique I’ve learned!  Painting number 1060 in 1060 days :)