Christmas Morning 30x42

Christmas Morning is the last of my Christmas paintings, and I saved it until today for the obvious reason. I read a short story once about an old man who wrote his wife a love letter for Christmas, for he felt the gift that he had for her was inadequate. I, too, often feel that the gifts I give are inadequate, not expressing what I truly want to say, not enough. What I truly want to say is buried in my innermost being; my words are mere babble, and the gift just a cheap trinket. Maybe that's yet another reason why art is important; it communicates those emotions that often are unexpressible. Words are merely words, so limited. Perhaps this delimma is at the core of the Christmas story. Humanity is incapable of understanding the heart of God and the words that rise from that heart, therefore, a visual was given, a work of art that says it more fully than words ever could. This morning, December 25, 2010, I quote another who struggled with expressing emotions-
                                                                  "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. " II Cor. 9:15

Big Yellow Pears 18x24 $300.00

Food was a focal part of my childhood home. My parents enjoyed entertaining, and good food (and plenty of it) was vital to their brand of hospitality. Therefore, I was an adult before I realized that some women simply do not enjoy cooking and don't. My mother considered a woman who didn't know how to cook  a genetic mutate and in opposition to law of nature. Hence, food is a popular subject for my painting. These pears were part of a set. The sister piece, red pears, are no longer with me.  I can't remember who bought them or where they live now. The yellow ones have been in my kitchen, local restaurants, and in a small gallery of which I am a part. Yellows and blues make a happy color scheme. For that reason, I have always liked this painting.

Lemons on the Slide 16x20 $65.00

Lemons on the Slide is a painting that was one of a set of two. The sister piece sold and this one is waiting for a home. I have painted several "sets," and none of those sets sold together. I suppose the moral of the story is not to paints sets. My favorite part of this painting is the brick background. I have a penchant for brick backgrounds and tile floors. Does this bent indicate some personal hidden flaw? If so, don't tell me.

Red Panda 30x30 $250.00

Someone told me that there actually was a panda considered a red panda, and I thought I was painting a surrealism piece. Oh, well...so much for being on the edge. I like him anyway.

Rawhide 10x20 $150.00

If asked why I painted this, I couldn't really answer. Something about the expanse of the horns, the gleam in his eye, and my recent return from a camping trip out West with friends must have moved me. Maybe the muse of the Old West and all those episodes of Rawhide as a kid got the best of me. (Rowdy was the man.) I must have been a cowboy in another life, for I've always been attracted by the cowboy personna. I will always grieve over the termination of Mesquite Rodeo with Donny Gay. Bullriding was the highlight of my Sunday night viewing.

You'd Better Watch Out 5x7

Another painting of the big guy before the big run. He has been putting in long hours in preparation for the big day.

Loading up 18x32 $325.00

My latest Santa painting, this is on display at a local restaurant. I liked it because his posture is a little different. Rather than sitting reading letters or looking at gifts, the old guy is loading up and heading out (a little early). I guess he wants a head start on his rounds.

Midnight Ride 22x24 $325.00

I painted this twice; the first time was on an 8x10 canvas that was a study. The second time was this larger version. Both are framed and ready to go. The larger one is on display at a local restaurant and smaller one is at Marble Gate Gallery. Both are waiting for a home. I actually went out in my back yard and was trying to paint the night sky when I was inspired to add Santa.

Believe panel #3

Number 3 was more of the same. --so much fun to paint, no pressure. The Christmas season conjurs happy memories for me. My parents enjoyed Christmas to the hilt, although we children didn't get that much in comparison to today's standards. We were rich in our eyes. Our true wealth was in the good times and laughter. I especially miss my parents this time of year. However, their spirits are with me always. I love you, Mamma and Daddy.

Believe Panel #2 Sold

This is another panel in the Believe series. There are not museum pieces, but they were fun to paint.

Believe (sold)

This wood panel was one of a set of three entitled Believe. Whimsical, yet the title says it all. Believe renders the impossible, improbable, and unthinkable in our lives possible. I enjoyed painting these panels. Meant to be sold together, they each sold separately.

Skiing Santa 16x20 sold

Skiing Santa was born while I was teaching art at school. While searching for an idea to use in class, I noticed a photo in a magazine that inspired this idea. The students loved it. Using oil pastels, Santa appeared in all different colors, but each was unique. Since then, the art class has been cut, so this painting is special to me, not because it's a work of art but because it reminds me of a happy time. You go, Santa!!

We Three Trees 16x20 Sold

We Three Trees was a result of a bartering deal made with a friend. She was participating in a Christmas Parade of Homes and asked me to paint something quick and loose for her. In return she was to create a floral arrangement for me. (She works in a florist shop.) The bargain was struck and we both were happy. ---End of story.

Smoking Santa 16x20 Sold

Yes, it's that time of year. As a child, the season was an eternity in coming. Now, Christmas seems to be more frequent. Has a year passed already??? This year, I refuse to allow the trappings of a materialized Christmas get me in a spin.  I purpose to keep my eye on the "reason for the season." The trivial gifts that Santa brings will serve as a reminder of the true gift. Someone will need to remind of this later.