No. 538 Snow, Christmas Lights and the Moon

 

 

 Snow, Christmas Lights and the Moon

Oil on Gessobord

6" x 6"

 

 

Just after Thanksgiving we had our first and so far only snow of the season. Walking home from Melissa's, I was enchanted by the way the Christmas lights glowed beneath the snow under a star and moon filled sky. 

 

Best wishes to you for a wonderful, magic filled Christmas. 



No. 537 Poinsettia Reposing on Books

 

 

 

Poinsettia Reposing on Books

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

 

Lovely, old books are the latest addition to my prop collection. It turns out they are a perfect way to display this lovely Poinsettia branch.
 

 

 

No. 536 The First Poinsettia and Noel

 

 

The First Poinsettia and Noel

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

 

The third and last (for the moment) of my "hanging by a ribbon" series. Also, two of my favorite things about Chirstmas - poinsettias and Christmas music.

 



No. 535 Christmas Ornaments #2

 

 

Christmas Ornaments #2

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

 

The second in my "hanging from a ribbon" series. I particularly enjoyed painting this one. There is just something about Santa. :)

 

 



No. 534 Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

Recently, Julian Merrow-Smith posted a gorgeous little painting of a cluster of lemons hanging from a string. It was so beautiful I clicked on the auction button to see if perhaps I could make it my own. When I saw the auction was at $500 plus dollars I picked myself up off the floor and started pondering why I was so attracted to this particular piece. Sadly, that painting was not to be mine. I thought, though, that it would be fun to design a series of paintings with a similair concept of something hanging from a string or ribbon. So here is the first of that particular series.

Posted with Blogsy

No. 533 Thanksgiving Throwback

 

 

Thanksgiving Day Bouquet in Teapot

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

 

This is quite possibly the first still life I've painted lit from directly above. The best part of this lighting set up is the interesting shadow pattern it throws on the table.

 

I keep forgetting to mention that I have a few desk calendars left for sale. They are the perfect size for stuffing in a stocking. No worries about the title, the calendar is for 2015. It just consists of paintings from 2014.

 

 

 

The calendars are $9.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. You can pay for one via the Paypal link below or send me a check. If you would like to purchase one with a check just send me an email at dsmcm678@yahoo.com so I can set one aside for you.

 

No.532 Nathan's Collection

 

 

Nathan's Collection

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

 

My little brother, Nathan, is a photographer. He likes to collect old cameras and apparently a few toy cars. While visiting him recently I asked if I could paint part of his collection. He very graciously said yes. Come to think of it my brother's always been pretty good about sharing. :) I had a lot of fun trying to paint the reflections on his camera.

 



No. 531 One last nutcracker... for now

 

 

Mini Nutcracker #4

Oil on Canvas Panel

4" x 4"

 

This red headed fellow will be the last of the nutcrackers until I can get out to Suzy's for more photos.

 

Have you heard Maurice Sendak's Nutcracker is in it's final season? It's sad to see a Seattle tradition end. The sets and costumes he designed for the Nutcracker have enchanted me since I was a kid. If you would like to read more about this click here for an article from the Seattle Times.

 



No. 530 Mini Nutcracker #3

Mini Nutcracker #3

Oil on Canvas Panel

4" x 4"

These nutcrackers are best viewed while listening to the Nutcracker Suite, my very favorite Christmas music. As I am currently stuck on a ferry (the bridge on the dock is stuck in the upright position) my husband is doing the honors for me using only his voice to set the mood. :)))

Posted with Blogsy

No. 529 Mini Nutcracker #2

Mini Nutcracker #2

Oil on Canvas Panel

4" x 4"

For better or worse the TV is a definite part of the Christmas experience around here. Sappy Christmas Hallmark movies, the Muppet's Christmas Carol, National Lampoon's Christmas vacation, and a Christmas Story are just a few shows that ring in the season in the McManamen household. What movies get you in the Christmas mood?



No. 528 Mini Nutcrackers

Mini Nutcracker #1

Oil on Linen

4 x 4

Click here to view auction.

Finally! I can start posting my mini nutcrackers. They've been waiting for over a month. Patient little fellows. This series is based on a set of photos I took last year of my friend Suzy's extensive nutcracker collection.

Posted with Blogsy