You Want to Build a Snowman?

BEST IN SHOW!

That is what my painting,  "First Snowman" was awarded at City of the World Gallery this past week for their annual JOY show.  This show certainly wouldn't be classified much of an art show, but it didn't deter me from putting my heart into this piece as I painted.  

This painting is very personal for me because the little models are actually myself and my younger brother.  I used a reference photo taken in front of my Grandmother's house in Swedeborg, Missouri probably around 1967.  I remember the day because my grandmother took the time to actually help us build this fine snow sculpture.  On our own we were way too small to accomplish the creation of such a magnificent looking chap but she did what Grandmas are supposed to do and that is to spend time with their grandchildren.

 I can even remember going through her button box to find the perfect buttons to complete his blackened stare and his sweet cheery smile. You can see just how happy we were on that day as we posed for the picture.  Bundled up warmly in our coats, gloves and snow boots we don't that a care in the world.  All we have in mind at that moment was loving our grandma and being so proud of our very first snowman.   Even today I find myself humming the "Frosty the Snowman" song as I think about that cold Missouri day.

I might have moved to the Las Vegas desert way back in 1978 but you just can't take the Missouri out of my heart.  Painting is a way for me to clear my mind of the insanity of the world I find that I am now living in and tell a story where for just a moment I can capture a memory or a feeling.  I guess that makes the term "ART FROM THE HEART" clarity.

"First Snowman"- 18x24 Acrylic

Christmas Memories

 I just finished a Christmas painting this week.  I was so inspired by the photo of my best friend's granddaughter that I couldn't help but loading up my brushes with bright red and green.  Christmas is past but I just couldn't wait when I first saw the photo of 3 year old Aubrey, I knew that I had to try and capture that image.  It was like something straight out of the Hallmark Store or a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post.  I've tried to capture that Christmas memory on canvas.  The smell of the pine, crack of the fire and the sweetness of childhood are hopefully all present in my rendition. I made my little girl a bit older and I had to add the old brick fireplace, complete with hung stockings on the mantle and a stuffed bunny to finish off that memory of Christmas past.

"Christmas Memory" is an original work created in my studio in Las Vegas.  It is painted with Acrylics on a 16 x 20 canvas and is framed in an antique wooden frame that just goes with it perfectly.  I sure hope you enjoyed your visit and please come in and check out what is going on in the studio.