Our local gallery is hosting "Saints and Angels" in November, a showcase of Art depicting Saint Nick and Angels. We had already had a wonderful time painting an Angel, and last night was Santa's turn to model, helping us prepare for the show!Santa arrived in a very modern sleigh...a heavy duty truck with reindeer painted on the sides! With his bag of toys and his jingling walking stick, complete with antler, he proudly donned his red velvet coat, Santa belt buckle, and shiny black boots...labeled "S" and "C".
I haven't done a painting from a model in a LONG time (well, acrylic painting...I have done some watercolor sketches). I was using an 11" x 14" multi-media board. It's a Masonite board that's primed and has the texture of canvas. The paint dried very quickly and I was able to layer paint without waiting too long on drying time. There was so much to paint! I loved all of the colors in the white fur collar and on Santa's thick beard.
A couple of my fab fellow painters! (If you listen closely you can hear the Christmas music in the background)
Santa checking out my progress...I hope he likes it! I don't want coal in my stocking!
This is as far as I got in the 3 hours last night. I think Santa is sitting comfortably, although I need to add more chair - maybe the back and the leg on the right, so he doesn't look like he's floating. I'm also thinking about glazing the background with a warmer color...I love the blues, but maybe they are too strong? And a few more details in the gloves and boots. Overall, I'm glad I got as far as I did. Santa...you were a wonderful model!
Even though we were all "grown ups" last night, there's nothing like being in the presence of Santa. You couldn't help but smile, laugh and have a great time. And whether you believe in Santa or not, there's no denying that our visitor last night captured everything that makes Santa special - a kind soul, a gentle spirit, and a Love for all human beings. Now that's something to believe in.
4 comments:
You are so talented. I hope you earn an incredible living that allows you and your family to live very comfortably without worry. I admire your talent more than I can express, and it gives me such awe to follow you and see what you are creating. BRAVO!
He's fantastic!! It IS Santa Clause!! What are you going to tell your little ones? They'll wonder " how can he be posing for Mommy and get my toys ready for Christmas?" You can tell them it's for his drivers license!!! :) Your painting is so good!! I agree with Donna, BRAVO!!
Thank you both for your enthusiasm and kind words!!! You don't know HOW tempted I was to ask Santa to record a little video for Ari and Jack - something along the lines of "Hi Ari and Jack. Mommy says you're doing a great job at school! She's going to call me on the phone and give me a report!" Could you imagine?!?!
Donna...Some months are beter than others, but most of the time my main goal is to pay for the kids to go to preschool and be able to buy art supplies. When I can do that each month, I'm a happy girl :) When I can't do that...well thank goodness hubby and I are a team!
I love it! That must have been such fun! I need to find a great painting group like that near me.
Post a Comment