Santa Claus

Santa

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar panel

$150

This is the last of my series of Santa Claus paintings for this season.  It was so fun doing my research and painting these pieces.  The series does bring back fond memories of my childhood and the many Christmases I spent with my family.  I have four brothers and we were all very inquisitive...always trying to find out what was in our packages.  One Christmas my second oldest brother woke me up at about 2 o'clock in the morning to go downstairs and check out our presents.  In our house we had wrapped presents under the tree..but Santa would leave unwrapped presents out for us when he visited.  We snuck downstairs to check out the loot...of course we were NOT quiet and soon my Dad was standing over us with a less than pleased look on his face.  We scurried back to our beds and tried desperately to sleep until we were allowed to get up.  

Such great memories.  I wish you all a very happy holiday season...The season of giving...of random acts of kindness.  

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Here Comes Santa Claus

10 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I was fortunate to be able to get to take pictures of Santa before the lines of children became too long!  We were just visiting a large sporting goods store in Alabama and the line to see Santa was 3 hours long!  They took appointments so people didn't have to wait so long.  Times have certainly changed!  Though it was a long line...my pleasure was in seeing all the children dressed up and waiting patiently.  All I can think of the the wonderful memories they are making.  Good times!  

I am now planning my weekend and deciding what random acts of kindness I can do to keep the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas alive.  A time for giving...giving of your time, your heart and gifts if you are able.  

All I want for Christmas!

"All I Want for Christmas"

10 x 10

Oil On Raymar Panel

$150

The Christmas season is such a magical time of year.  I love the hustle and bustle of the season...but most of all I love the generous and giving feeling it seems to generate.  The smiles, the random acts of kindness and giving nature of season is contagious.  No matter what religion or beliefs you have it is a nice time of year to think about others.  

When I painted this piece I could just imagine what this little girl was telling Santa...the list of wonders she wanted placed under the tree to delight her on Christmas morning.  I can also imagine her wanting peace, happiness and love for all.  

A few years ago I started concentrating on random acts of kindness.  It may be paying for someone's coffee, someone's meal at a restaurant or just leaving some money for the restroom attendant.  Small things that brighten people's day.  Most of these are done anonymously...It makes my heart happy and makes me enjoy the holiday so much more than ever.  

Santa's Lap

"Santa's Lap"

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I thought this was absolutely priceless.  Such a iconic scene in malls across the country.  Mom and Dad think it will be so fun to sit their child on a strange looking stranger's lap and smile for the camera!  This little one was having none of it!  

I am having great fun painting Santa this season.  It is a fun respite from the concentration my commissions require.  I use these small pieces to warm up or when I just need some comic relief.  

Meeting Santa Claus!

Hello!

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar panel

$200

It is amusing that we tell our children not to talk to strangers, be wary of adults bearing gifts, don't accept candy from strangers...and then Christmas time rolls around!  We stand in long lines to hoist our child up onto a stranger's lap and encourage them to accept candy canes as gifts!  I guess the solution to this dilemma is to introduce your child to Santa before hand.  Prepare your child for Santa and the magic of Christmas...Santa is no stranger!  

I also believe strongly that this season is the season of giving.  The holiday certainly has strong religious ties, especially for me, but I think the spirit of the season...the spirit of giving spans religion, race and culture.  It is a good message for all year long and it is nice to emphasize it each year.