Uncle Sam Nutcracker!

The real nutcracker was a gift in the secret Santa exchange last night, so it is now in the home of a friend.  I'm working on 6x6 gallery wrapped canvas, and using my acrylics.  I am so very specific about my substrates.  This particular one is just fine for the rather abstract technique I use on the Christmas balls, but a bit of a struggle for this nutcracker!  What I thought would just drop off the brush had to be coaxed along persistently.  I found myself longing for my gessoed masonite, with my cross hatched surface.  I do like wrapping the paint around the edges, though, it looks so dimensional.  This painting makes 1792 in 1792 days.......maybe...!

currently available at Belton Art Gallery

Uncle Sam Nutcracker

What fun it is to paint one of the coolest nutcrackers I have seen!  I love the whole patriotic theme, and he comes complete with a large drum!  Today, I start this painting with a thin wash of the masses, allowing that color to settle in the grain of the canvas.  I really don't like the little white spots that show up in the weave when using canvas, so I am making sure they are covered before really laying paint.  Next, I start applying more color, building up the layers, pushing the darks cooler and the lights warmer.  Uncle Sam has SO much character - it has been super fun to capture him in paint!!  Painting number 1424 in 1424 days :)

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