Holly Jolly Swirly Holiday Painting

How about a Holly Jolly Swirly Holiday Painting this week? Sure why not? Right? And, I will add a whole lot of gratitude here in this week’s post, too. But, before I do, here’s a warm welcome to returning and new readers today. For a description of the purpose of this blog, check out this link here.

Set up for Holly Jolly Swirly Holiday Painting

Thanks to the shorter sunlit winter days, I get to paint in natural light by my west facing window. The secret here is to start early but not too early. That way, I am getting enough light for my set up, canvas and palette. If I wait till too late in the day to paint, that west window gets blasted with too much sunlight. Here’s a photo of the set up.

Inspiration and Swirls

As we head towards December 25, I am thinking of moments and experiences that I love around this Holiday Season. As a kid, I remember watching “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Now, when I hear the theme song to this show, I start feeling as if it’s Christmas time without all the commercialism. Maybe there’s a bit of snow on the ground, maybe you can hear your snow boots go ‘crunchity crunch’ as you walk outside. Or maybe you just start humming “There’s Always Tomorrow” from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Another favorite of mine!

Inspiration and Gratitude

Each of the songs I mention in the previous paragraph were playing in the studio as I painted this week. And, they help! The playfulness of my mindset at eight years old seemed to sneak into this painting as I worked. I feel grateful for the home and family that I had growing up. And, the thought that all these years later I would be able to paint everyday, just makes me all watery-eyed and grateful, too.

Here’s a larger image of “Holly Jolly Swirly Holiday Painting.” It’s 9×12 inches on a fine linen panel. And, yes it’s for sale, unframed, for $345. Simply click on the Paypal button below to make it yours.

Can You Believe It

Can you believe that next week is the last full week of 2022? Me neither! Are you considering some new projects or ideas that you want to tackle in the New Year? I am excited to share my painting theme for 2023. But, I will wait to do that till early January.

In the meantime, I am so grateful for each of you who take the time to read these posts! Your interest in reading about, commenting on and collecting my artwork mean the world to me. Happy Happy Holidays to you! Please share your projects or ideas for 2023 in the comments below.