Santa Claus is coming to town exclaims the popular song, which is also the title, of an animated holiday movie from the 1970's. The narrator, a mailman voiced by Fred Astaire, attempts to reveal more about the origin of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus figure in the tale is charming and jovial, a welcomed change no doubt, from the more stern and judgmental figure that the parents of the youth who first viewed this performance remembered. Along with the festive decorations that define our Holiday … [Read more...] about Santa Claus is comin to town
An Artist’s Blog
Origins Of Father Christmas
The origins of Father Christmas can be wide and varied. You could fill books with information about the formation of one of the most beloved characters of our youth. Santa-Claus, as he is most popularly known now, has an endearing beginning, but his path as a 'Gift Giver' has taken a very winding and often rugged road to the present. Homes were often visited by this Holiday Gift Bearer and to this day his presence in our household is considered a delightful addition to the spirit of the … [Read more...] about Origins Of Father Christmas
Chalk Drawing
I came across a chalk drawing of Peter Paul Rubens' in some reference material I have. It was a lovely sketch of his son done in black, red and white chalk. Chalk drawing and it's media are often used to rough out the plans for a major work. They are also used as a note taking devise for future, more elaborate drawings or paintings. But over time they have come to be recognized as works of art in and of themselves. When I was introduced to Conte Pencils I couldn't get enough of them. I love … [Read more...] about Chalk Drawing
Figure and Layout study for Mother Earth Painting
In preparation for a commissioned line drawing of Leonardo DaVinci's Last Supper I discovered that he had done several preperatory figure and layout studies before settling on the final arrangement of the twelve apostles. During a breakout session at a religious studies gathering that I attended a few years ago the group was asked to reflect on a devotional passage. Allowed to sit alone anywhere on the grounds I chose to go outside to consider what meaning the selected words had for me. Before … [Read more...] about Figure and Layout study for Mother Earth Painting
Limited Color Palette, “The Flirt”
Inspired by a film short by a children's picture book illustrator, who's short described her use of a limited color palette, I decided to apply the process to this piece I've just begun work on. This work which I will title, "The Flirt", encompasses the innocent, flirtatious glances of a little girl and boy. While flirting is a natural part of our very being, also seen in other creatures of nature, I'd not personally seen anyone present it quite as bluntly as Paula (said Pow-la) a girl we met … [Read more...] about Limited Color Palette, “The Flirt”