In the Shadow of the Cross

It is Christmastime again and I am full of the holiday spirit from the preparations, festivities and concerts thus far and thoughts of those to come. It has finally turned cold and there is a skiff of snow on the ground adding the perfect touch to the Maritime winter scene. Thanks to each of you it has been a great year for my paintings with 110 sold. This painting - In the Shadow of the Cross - was created to celebrate that Bethlehem night when the star shone from the heavens and the angels sang the first song of Christmas - peace on earth, good will to men. But this painting also takes one beyond the manger scene to the foot of the cross - the true reason for Christ's incarnation. During the hustle and bustle of Christmas may peace and joy fill your home and may each of you experience anew the touch of the Master's hand. Merry Christmas!

Making a Snowman

“Making a Snowman” will be the last winter scene I will paint for 2009 as it is time to finish up my commissions. A favourite winter activity of mine involves making a snowman during or just after a snow storm. One November I made a snowman on the picnic table on the patio and faced him so that he could peer in the window. He was still there in March. Just in case you are in the area, I will be attending a Christmas show at the Annapolis Nursing Home on Saturday, November 28 from 1-4 and at the Annapolis Farmer’s and Trader’s Christmas Market at the Annapolis Legion on December 5 from 10-4. Making a Snowman is 5” x 7”.

The First Snow

The winter paintings are selling well and I am now at 100 paintings sold this year. I am anxious for the first snow so I decided to do a painting of what the first snow looks like here in the valley. The tamarack trees are at their peak with their bright yellow needles, the green grass isn’t far beneath the snow and deer head for the apple orchards to forage for drop apples. A friend told me that she picked out a perfect tree for Christmas a few years ago, but when it was time to cut it, it was nude.:) Tamaracks have the perfect shape for a Christmas tree but their needles only last until the end of Nov. The First Snow is 11’ x 14”.

The Animal's Christmas Tree

Couldn't wait to start this painting after listening to Christmas music on my trip back from Cape Breton. There was snow in the highlands, putting me in the Christmas mood. One of my favourite things is animals and I like to think that they know it is

Jesus' birthday on December 25th. When my children were young they used to pick out a tree and decorate it with carrots, cranberries and apples for the animals. When we would return to the tree at a later date everything would be gone. Hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations. I am at the MacDonald Museum in Middleton on Friday night and Saturday for a Christmas show. If you are looking for gift ideas for someone special or for yourself, check out four new additions to my website. The Animal's Christmas Tree is 7" x 9".

A Perfect Winter Day

Although we have not yet experienced the type of day depicted in my latest painting, I am anticipating a perfect winter day. I love all the seasons, but a sunny winter day certainly speaks volumes to me. Does anyone remember the old heavy woollen coats that we used to wear - the snow balled up on them and mom would try and brush them off with a broom before allowing you to come indoors? After a full day of fun in the snow a warm seat by the fire was so welcome. I hope this painting triggers some of your fondest memories of wintertime. A Perfect Winter Day is 11 x 14 inches.

Port George circa 1900

On a trip this summer to Port George with friends we visited the Candle in the Window shop where we received a brief overview of the history of the area. I picked up a few old postcards (always looking for ideas for painting), and with the shop owner's blessing, returned home with several ideas. Here is one of them. I call it Port George circa 1900 and it is 6x12. Hope you enjoy this one. Next week I will be back to painting winter scenes. Tomorrow is the last Annapolis Farmer's and Trader's Market for the year. I will certainly miss all the vendors.

Winter Wonderland

As promised, here is my most recent painting. It is a winter scene in preparation for the Christmas Shows that will soon begin. Once again, as with most of my painting, you will find clothes hanging on the line. That is because it is one of my favourite things to do. If you drive by my house in February, for example, there will most likely be a line of clothes flapping in the breeze – albeit stiffly :) Winter Wonderland is 11x14 inches and depicts the way I remember winter – lots of snow and plenty of outdoor activity. Have a great weekend.

A Busy October

As of today I have sold 97 paintings this year. I am hoping for 100 by the end of 2009. Perhaps I should add a meter to my blog that would provide an ongoing record of paintings sold to date. But given that it would take advanced technical ability, it is not likely to happen. It has been a busy month for sales with the Middleton Christmas Dreams show, the Annapolis Farmer's and Trader's Market, the Milford House and the website. I also sold three originals to passengers of the Balmoral, a cruise ship that docked in Digby on the 15th. Three paintings are on their way to jolly old England.

It is time to begin a collection of winter paintings for the upcoming Christmas shows. My most recent one, visible above, is called Caroling and is 9x12. I will be posting each paintings on this blog for you to view prior to putting it up for sale. Hope you enjoy them.