Jesus in his Christmas Sweater. Happy birthday Jesus! The reason for the seasons celebrations. Merry Christmas!
Happy Birthday Jesus! 8 x 8 gouache on white.
Jesus in his Christmas Sweater. Happy birthday Jesus! The reason for the seasons celebrations. Merry Christmas!
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Christmas only a couple of days away -already! It will be over before we know it & we'll all be celebrating 'adios to 2023 and hello 2024 - let's hope it's a peaceful year. My cards were all received - by dogs and owners alike! The card size is also easy to get a frame for, even the dollar store carries nice little 5 x 7 frames. I'm currently looking at cats to send out a few valentines in 2024.
I had early Christmas gifts! I have received 3 hand drawn cards! LOL. I love everyone of them... where do I even start! I was telling Storm how much they mean to me because they are not from 'artists who draw all the time'. To think they pulled out the pencil crayons to sit and create a card for me, each one has such lovely details -made me smile big time. I know the feeling creating cards for others - so I appreciate theses very much! I also think - what a great thing... I wonder, when was the last time they even drew- yet created a card. Drawing is proven to be a positive way to relax- creating cards also spreads joy - I feel very joyful looking at these, teary even. I will not be tossing these ones - I will save them with my art & remember others took the time to create a card for me! I think it's the best Christmas gift I could possibly get & I'm feeling very grateful. Make someone a card, you might just make their day! We are all created to create! snow dogs 7 x 7 gouache on watercolour paper.
Do you want to build a snowman? No, but snow dogs -yes! Well there's not enough snow for anything currently, it's on the way I am sure, until then I'll build snow dogs with paint. This painting pleased me when finished. I captured the girls identity simply by using a few tiny details about each, Ginger looks the sweetest albeit a chubby little snow dog. Arrow got the carrot for her long pointy nose. Poppy big coal eyes Daily dog a big red bow a she likes to be the "pretty girl". Painting it too was a pleasure. I recorded a time-lapse, (you can see on my Instagram Georgia.Toons) and started by painting the space all blue, this helped me create the shadows by applying a bold white in layers, working my way around the image as the white dried before reapplying with the hi lights last. The key is to wait until layers dry in between - patience, or your image can become muddy' in appearance. I might paint a snow kitty' as I forgot to add mine to this image. We're 1/2 way to Christmas, no decorations are up but I feel slightly festive all the same. Christmas shopping is done and dinner is being planned, it will be small but merry - I was speaking to some others who have company coming - 35 for dinner! WOW - that's a full house... I can't even. When I was kid, we had big family celebrations that were lots of fun, I also enjoy our more intimate dinners now. The only little ones' have four legs and are easy to please with the gift of a new ball & stuffed toy. I have paint, paper/canvas and 'time' to use them, I am surrounded by 'Christmas Trees' - over 30 feet tall, I don't need to put up something plastic, I just look out the window. The decorations are the sunshine, snow, birds, & pinecones. I need nothing from Santa. Be joyful as it is a time to remember & celebrate the Birth of our KING! Pups I painted as Christmas cards! I love creating and sending cards-as you are aware. A few years ago I decided to do this Pet card painting at Christmas as a gift to me. I love dogs and there are a few I am particular to - to paint them is a joy but to send and anticipate the owners reactions as they see them, makes me smile. I can't imagine they would not like it. I know I'd love a card of my dogs..lol. I just ask for their address and do not say why, or if anything I say Im sending a postcard. The above cards went to Toronto, Tennessee & Belgium! I've held back on this post until I know they've been delivered.
That being said - I also painted a local pup... but, holy canine - this dog below, was the most difficult dog I've painted to date. I'm not even sure of the breed, some sort of spaniel. 1/2 way through I almost gave up but as I continued it came together. I was grateful for the challenge! I try NOT to spend a great deal of time on these cards- but they take at least an hour or 2. It's also an opportunity to experiment a little, especially with underpainting'. It feels good to share our talents, to know these tiny paintings of 'loved ones' brighten someones day, is the best gift I could hope for. Share your God given talents- brighten someones day! Create a card for someone. Really - I'll admit: I make the cards as gifts for the DOGS, more than the owners. hee hee It is them after all, I have the fondness for- with their furry smiles and antics. Perhaps it's time I painted some feline cards... time to search for inspiring kitties -for valentines day!. Created to create. Krampus 8 x 8 gouache on black..
Krampus was a fast painting.. if I ha to do it over, I'd make the background black. The wonderful WWW has introduced us to the rest of the world.. the good, the bad & the ugly. Learning about holiday traditions around the world I find fascinating. I once thought we all celebrated the same, when I was about 10. I like the concept of Krampus (a friend with Santa) who deals with the children who've been naughty all year so Santa can focus on giving gifts to the good children. Snatching them up, whipping with birch branches, carting off in a basket on his back, covered in bells and chains -yikes! I'm glad we don't have Krumpus but we do have the Grinch. The good and bad holiday traditions add to the celebrations. I'm not sure if I agree with Krampus or disagree with his presence and lack of presents. I do kinda agree with young delinquents spending time incarcerated (safely) so they might understand where their choices might land them, permanently. Is Krumpus not the same concept? Better to experience a few days in jail than a few decades. Does Krumpus instil fear in small children? Steering them straight for the year? Probably, more than the watchful eyes of Elf on the Shelf. Either way, Krampus is interesting folklore.. I'll stick with the Grinch. We have a new addition - Smokey'... I saw him sitting in a pet store and he reached out to me, I left and found out he'd already been there a few weeks so I decided to bring him home. He's the not first we tried, we tried another kitten that was terrified of the dogs and them terrified of it - it was a barn cat and he happily returned back to the barn. I knew this kitten would be fine and it was. It was all love the minute we brought him home. He is growing fast! Unlike our last cat that disappeared, this one is not so friendly and not afraid to smack the dogs on the snout (nails out) when they get a little too rambunctious, I feel this is a better way for a kitty to be. We are planning to keep him indoors and building a 'patio' in the spring. I'm excited. All the dogs like him but again - Arrow and Smokey play the most. When he jumps at the bird cage- all the dogs chase him! Bird is off limits they warn. Christmas can be a time when people are given pets', it's important for people to understand a gift of a pet is a gift that will last a decade or more - a lifetime if you give a parrot or turtle! & it can be costly. In my opinion -one of the best gifts we can receive - but not all feel this way. I tell you one of the most heart breaking things I see on social media is people who return dogs to a shelter once no longer a cute puppy - or too old to play like a pup. If you want to see if your child will be responsible start with a fish or hamster, canary... or you could adopt a dog for Christmas - a gift for you and the dog! We are happy for our new addition, he's laid back - a cool cat for sure who behave and eats what ever the dogs eat... so far he eats everything! I think he sees the dogs eat and figures he better eat too or they'll steal his food. He especially likes chopped up carrot & duck eggs. Next are some animal Christmas cards I sent, I love painting peoples furry children. Created to Create - cards make nice little original gifts! Time to break out the nostalgia red nosed reindeer, hohoho. It makes me get in the Christmas mood, painting things of days gone bye. Holly, bells & a nose shining bright!
I am not fond of this painting - it happens. First, it took way to long. I was distracted and had a few other things that needed to be done so it was painted over 3 days -in 3 different moods. It started realistic and turned "toon" perhaps because I'm listening to Charles Schulz autobiographical audio book - amazing tale of rags to riches and the cartoon business. It's got me wanting to paint Peanuts for Christmas - soon. It's also given me an idea for a side project that will be joyful. The face of the deer was painted at least 3 times and I finally said - enough - move 0n! All the glitter paint does give it a Christmas feel so it will become a card for someone next week. I did accomplish getting it out of my head and on to paper and did not give up on it, all is good. Every painting is a lesson. Storm & I attended a Christmas dinner at The Dominion in Minden, it was a wonderful (yet short) evening. It was a group setting/function and we were in, ate and out- as they had a second sitting, the short time we had was enjoyable albeit, a little more leisure time to enjoy each others company' would be appreciated. Tis the season I guess, gotta make $. I get it. The food was as a Christmas meal should be - comforting & tasty! Dining out with Storm is always a pleasure... I know a few friends who don't see their sons often enough, I'm grateful for his company I was impressed most with the serving staff- 2 women who worked their butts off, had us all served and fed and out of there in record time. Tis the season for celebration & RIDE. Please don't drink & drive, think of yourself, your family and innocent others on the road. This applies to UTVs and snowmobiles... how heart breaking every year to read of such accidents involving alcohol and love ones lost due to over indulgence. I'm focusing on the KING of Christmas as it states in the Aurora sky above - Praise Jesus! Jesus is the reason for the season and every day in between. Created to create - get busy. Snow bear. gouache on black. 8 x 8
Where ever two or more are gathered in His name... Do snow bears count? ...I think so. I'm working on a few more cards today, get them ready to go and I'm done for another holiday season. On to debating wether or not to set up the tree, I always start to think 'Id like a real tree' -but then I go for a walk in the woods and the thought of killing a tree to sit in my living room for a month, is not an option... especially considering it could live a few more decades where it is, house critters, provide shade, nutrients and beauty... without glass baubles. Fake or nothing... maybe I'll dig up a small one that is growing too close to the driveway, pot it for Christmas and plant it in the spring in a better location. Created to Create Hopping thru the snow. 5 x 7 Christmas card.
Still painting Christmas cards! There's a dusting of snow on the ground & it puts me in the mood for winter painting. *My address was changed by the post office, new postal code and & no delivery to the P.O. Box.* A couple of friends have told me they can't mail me a package, the post office tells them: the address does not exist. Another neighbour brought our mail, delivered to them. We had to change everything at our expense. I probably won't get some Christmas cards... Oh well, on the grand scale - it's a tiny spec. A snowflake in a blizzard. Instead of getting angry or upset - which 'Tis the season' and people are already stressing over very serious subjects such as war, health'care', rising costs to LIVE... as well as: the post office will be especially busy. I'll say a prayer for all of them (around the globe) & give thanks for them keeping us connected! I've received many blessings in the mail over the years, bad news too. All lessons, This is life and this is the lesson - what is it' on the grand scale? I woke up, my limbs all moving, my 'family' all here, still... to give thanks all over again. I have a friend(s) one whom is not doing well, he might not make it until Christmas. He is on my mind & in my prayers, her too. Good, bad. Sad, Happy. How would we know one without the other? How would we appreciate JOY without knowing the occasional sorrow. I'm going to remind myself this season, when I deal with the usual stresses... On the grand scale of things? Is this worth stressing over? I will pray instead of stress. I'll paint and say Thanks to The Lord for the opportunity to do so. Paint some cards - I've painted 3 pet cards for Christmas, to unsuspecting recipients (via instagram) in hope of adding a sprinkle of joy this season. It's also a JOY to paint frogs in Santa hats. Have a Blessed day - expect miracles! Give Thanks and say "Hi" to the post person - Tis the Season for them to be BUSY. Happy Black Friday (should you partake) - where would 'it' be, without those who deliver packages - like the post office. Created to Create. Santa Frog card. 5 x 7
Tis the Season for Christmas Cards! 'm ahead this year with a few cards ready to go! Why a frog? Why not. He looks great in the snow and was fun to paint! What's in the package? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps homemade cookies? Cookies! It's baking season too & I found a terrific recipe for easy, fast, fluffy cookies. The 'viral' recipe was seen on Instagram. You need: 1 cake mix, 1 container of cool whip, (1 egg optional) . Mix them, the dough will be very sticky. drop cookie dough off spoon into a bowl of icing sugar & roll - this helps them keep their shape and be less sticky. Place on parchment on cookie sheets and bake at 400 for 15 minutes. That's it! Easy, fast fluffy, tasty cookies. We made a plain cake mix batch & lemon cake batch. Both were good - the lemon was preferred. It was mentioned the egg makes them a little crunchier', I added the egg but others online only used the 2 ingredients & said they were terrific. Speaking of cookies... There's still time if you want to donate a gently used coat, mitts or hats! My friend Amy does this every year and it's a wonderful success! Information below: Created to create - cards & cookies! Merry Christmas!!
Well - Ho Ho Ho! I was up at 3 to pee & made the mistake of turning on the outside light- Holy SNOW! I have not seen this much snow for a while. I was so excited I lit the fire & made coffee & laugh every time I let the dogs out, the little ones would not be seen if we threw them in the snow - no. Our Christmas travel plans won’t be happing today.. it will take a while to dig out- let alone drive a few hours & it’s still snowing. It’s the first day in weeks, I’ve felt good enough to even want breakfast, that tooth ache has had me in bed a few days & I’ve lost a few pounds… difficult when surrounded by holiday treats! Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus - the ultimate gift from God. Immanuel! God with us. I celebrate Jesus daily as it makes me happiest! When I ponder Gods Glory, I feel most at Peace. Today, I celebrate gifts in my life - friends (near & far), family & furry family! Thankful for a home, food, heat -9 currently…. Snow shovels… heehee. I’ve much to be grateful for. There are a few I’d like to ‘celebrate with’ but it’s just not possible - that’s o.k. .. goals for 2023 - I’ve got them! I just opened my blinds and laughed out loud- the snow is 1/2 up, not much of a view - great day to paint & imagine ‘all the possibilities ahead.. once we dig out. Merry Christams! Stay warm & safe. Below, some photos of this mornings discovery! My morning warm up... the best Christmas special. A Charlie Brown Christmas. gouache on black.
What is the meaning of Christmas? Linus explains it's the birth of our King - Jesus Christ. This image is when Charlie Brown stops and looks up to God & is grateful... then, everything changes. Thank God. When creating this special, network producers told Charles Schultz to get rid of the scene with Linus speaking of God & Jesus & he said: NO. They use it all, or no Christmas Special. It is my favourite animated Christmas Special, next would be the classic Grinch... Tis the Season Next.. My 'frisky' gingerbread. Fuck your Fa La La
Do you think the Chinese are feeling festive? & several other countries around the world. Imagine having to protest with only blank paper because 'words' can have you tossed in jail - it appears their blank paper is having the same results. Reading about their lockdown is a nightmare - fire trucks not being able to put out a fire because of borders set up to ‘protect’ them, from who, what? Chinas constant covid testing, strict lockdowns, we are not far behind China with our lockdown measures - (isn’t that mind blowing?) - yes, I guess the people have had enough. The minute they start to question & fight back, some restrictions are eased…. Hmmmm. Oh my gosh, WTF - everyday, Trudeau insults Canadians more. Trudeau is Supporting Chinese protestors!? Trudeau supports the people protesting in China - Well now, that's not how he behaved with Canadians just a few months ago, Eh? Canadian protests were peaceful (PROVEN) Hot tubs and dancing in the streets & Justin Trudeau called the emergency act & fucked with Canadian minds & threatened to fuck with more, including jobs & bank accounts. Protests... I can feel it in the air. For any Chinese who might be reading this: Don’t be fooled by our Prime Sinister. Oooops.. Minister. I'll draw these gingerbread until they are out of my system. That’s how I work out things for my own mental wellness, I know a few artists who do the same.. as well as editorial cartoonists. I recommend it. Out of your mind & heart and onto paper… then - keep or burn - either way - it is released'. The wood stoves been busy. Today, I’ll focus on love & will paint something sweet’. Perhaps a sweet gingerbread.. snuggling. Crumbling. heehee Created to create. Homemade for the holidays! This idea was inspired from a much simpler example I saw on Instagram, I thought the concept was cute & easy. Here is a version, step by step -so you can create one too!! Instructions under each image. Tools needed: Paper - white or black -heavy stock, like Bristol board. Scissors. Paint, crayons, markers -what ever you have handy! Glue. Cotton balls. *Battery operated candle. * Please use caution with anything that uses tiny batteries- they can kill your child if swallowed . It’s something for you (&your kids) to do! Paint snowmen (easy) if you don’t want to have a deer or an assortment of triangle trees. It doesn’t have to hold a candle you can put a tiny wrapped gift on it, perhaps some sweet treats. Enjoy! On my desk - another gingerbread man. I love painting gingerbread people.. so cute & crunchy. December - in like a lion! Woke up to so much snow- Poppy & Ginger both said: No.
Peeing indoors (in the bathroom on the pads) will probably be it, until the big dogs carve some paths. Lol December… the past week, Instagram is busy with decorating- notably these massive Nutcrackers from Walmart (I think in the USA for $150each) & instantly as soon as people take them from the box, they paint them a solid colour - Gold usually & put them outside the front door 2 (mostly) so that’s $300. on 2 Holiday decorations. I have friends who could not afford a Thanksgiving Turkey (at $80.) so I doubt it will have changed much in a month. Christmas Stuff - Ho ho ho! No no no. It helped me decide: I’m not decorating this year. Christmas is the ‘bulling season’.. “Oh but it’s Christmas!” Suddenly nothing else matters.. cause it’s Christmas - “Don’t be a Scrooge”. Fuck that. Christmas is rarely about Christ it seems, people get further & further in debt - over STUFF. Stuff that gets broken and tossed aside after boredom with it sets in. These Christmas movies, we are bombarded with are filled with STUFF. Stuff. Stuff. I have people I care about going in for surgery this month & the past year has taught me… accidents happen - there is no such thing as ‘minor surgery’ - so, I just want them back home safe -already. I have other things to focus on besides Nutcrackers. December, for many just adds to depressing them further. Jim Carey (on IG) said he was taught Depression needs - Deep rest. I’ve been sleeping a bit more than usual, it’s what my body needs & demands & I am going to listen. Paint, nap… snuggle with dogs & repeat. I'll do this to keep depression at bay, I paint to keep my mind stimulated on positive things. I’ll probably paint, some Christmas because I enjoy reminiscing, don’t we all… but that’s as far as it’s going. I don't consider myself a Scrooge at all, nor do I care if anyone 'thinks' I am. I actually feel relieved that I recognize, I don't enjoy getting caught up in the Seasonal Charade. That, makes me feel better. I will be celebrating Jesus (as always) Christmas & on… For those who do not wish to partake in ‘the season’ - don’t. Skip it & have a nap! For those who are still excited about decorating & the tree & STUFF! Yes, celebrate! Do what makes you happy but do NOT call anyone a Scrooge who does not with to play along… perhaps they have a valid reason for ignoring the season. Christmas craft tomorrow - hahaha - I LOVE sharing ideas for people to create some 'gifts' rather than go into debt.. it's more of something to make with the kids, create good memories for Christmas - that's a gift that will be cherished - forever. Ho ho ho... time to watch dogs play in snow. |