Midwinter festivals have been a part of people's lives for centuries. Who wouldn't want to bring a little merriment to these drearier days when the earth is resting. We put on fanciful clothing, give gifts, and decorate our abodes to liven the season. Gift giving is an important part of this season, for it shows how grateful we are for all that we have enjoyed and experienced throughout the year. Our iconic gift givers have changed throughout the years and vary from region to region. In Holland … [Read more...] about SinterKlaas
An Artist’s Blog
Santa Claus is comin to town
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
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