Christmas Ornaments of 2016

Once again I was busy before Christmas working on commission for hand painted shatterproof ornaments for many people. I'd have to say that it was my first year painting many duplicates - two ornaments with the same critter on it. Some of them with the same pose and others with a slightly different pose between the two ornaments.

Here's the creations that adored many a Christmas tree for 2016. They are all hand painted with acrylic and then sealed with a varnish to protect the unique paintings done on shatterproof ornaments. And if you're interested in your very own Christmas ornament, please send me an email and I'd love to create on just for you!

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and may 2017 be filled with love and adventures!

Nice Weather Means It's Time to Get Out!

Today was the first time it's been sunny for a while and I was able to get out to the Columbia River Gorge. I decided that it was time to visit Shepherd's Dell. My mom said that I've been out there before, but only when I was really little, so I don't remember it much now.

It's a hidden little set of waterfalls right off the scenic highway. I loved the soft light from the overcast (non-rainy) day. And what else was awesome was there were rain drops still clinging to the fern covered basalt cliffs. This is a great little stop with a short distance to stroll with great views, and it wasn't crowded like all the other waterfall stops along the gorge.

So make sure to get out while the weather is good or just wear a raincoat and good boots.

Christmas Spirit

It's after Thanksgiving, so it's officially the Christmas season!

I'm excited to present this year's Christmas card as "Christmas Spirit." All year I've been thinking of what to do for this year's Christmas painting and I came up with the idea of featuring an elk a couple months ago.

I did some prep work, including contacting (via Facebook) the Damascus Elk Farm to see if a local artist could come out and photograph their elk as painting references. Now, I've contacted a couple different people/places via Facebook and the majority of them have been positive responses (including the Drum Horses). I mean, you don't know until you ask and many people are quite open to inspiring artists. And this time, with the elk farm, I was lucky enough for another yes. I went out and photographed their herd of elk - there were cows, a bull calf, and a couple spikes, none of the impressive racks you usually see. But that's okay that there weren't any impressive antlers on the bulls. That's the beauty of art, you can create. 

More of my thought process of this painting was that it will be festive, with a vintage flair. I searched for vintage Christmas ornaments and based the ones in my painting after Christmas past. And for the overall feel of the watercolor painting, I wanted it to appear the viewer had caught the bull elk right after the act of getting tangled in a Christmas tree and hiding out in the fir trees.

I'm really pleased with this little painting. And now the Christmas cards are available in my shop, so feel free to share this with others and order a couple cards.

Holiday Gift Ideas 2016

This post is for you.

It's time for the holidays and time to think about something unique and wonderful to give loved ones. Now, what to get some you care about, someone who has just about everything. Here are somethings I know, that might help you find the perfect gift.

Have you ever looked on Etsy? It may seem like a beast, but it supports small businesses, makers, creatives, and vintage collectors.

Do you know any outdoor loving person? I love being outdoors and handmade creations, so I thought you might like some of these items: 

Custom Metal Wall Art

Hand Printed Kitchen & Home Decor

Rustic Wooden Signs

Wanderlust Inspired Art

Nature & Wildlife Photographs

Nature Inspired Jewelry

Not only is there Esty to chose from, but local artists in your community who may not be on this popular site and instead have their own shop connected to their website.

All the above links are ones of my choosing and in no way was I paid to promote these specific creators.