I thought I'd send you all a Christmas Card via art forum post!

This is the card I made this year using an oil I did of our daughter several years ago. I began to rework it once and never got to finish...but still like it so used it anyway...

May you all have happiness in this season of wonder...finding it mostly in simple places...icicle walks...bright winter sunsets...

Thought I'd add mine to this.  Did this one a couple of years ago.  Started out to be a monocromatic painting, still is mostly, just added the touchs of light in the window and the deer in the distance.  Hope you all have a Blessed Merry Christmas and A New Year filled with Hope and Joy. 

Peggy

I love it Peggy...very beautiful and serene...I'm a soft touch for blue anyway!The verse on your posts is a life verse for me...it was on my wedding invitations...I always remember this translation..."For I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord...plans for goodand not for evil...to give you a future and a hope!"Merry Christmas and treasured holidays!

I noticed the picture in blue has a very tiny church in the background.  Nice touch.  Excellent picture.

The winter scene is titled "Whiter Than Snow"  from Psalm 51:7 which says "Wash me and I will be whiter than snow."  Glad you like it.

Peg

O.k. ...I'm feeling a little whiney that I didn't get any comments on my portrait above (made into card).  Anybody...?

(Maybe above is below now!)

Thank you dear friends...I was feeling a little pathetic...I guess we all do sometimes.

And Peg...you are so nice...no I did not think that at all!

I've just been in a howling wilderness so long...I wondered if anyone saw my little banners of hope!

michele (River)

River - just a quick note to say your painting of your daughter is beautiful.  The movement of the hair is quite good and it projects very lovely.  I am forever trying to do portraits and only wish to capture the person the way you have done.

Maggie

Thanks alot Maggie. As artists you can probably see that some of the hair is finished and some sort of blurry...as with the eyes and ears...but health and (child raising!) kept me from going back to it for several years...but I thought I'd use it anyway...and now you are all so encouraging that I hope to start back up...

(no more giant angels though I think!)

...thanks again for all the encouragements...sorry for the whining.

All of the same encouragments to Peg as well I know...love her blue painting/card too!

In the end...we have to encourage ourselves I know...but these were nice too! (My son said I'm getting pity encouragements now...he's very funny...but I said I don't care.)

Actually, I don't think it's pity, it's more like we all just got remiss.  The Christmas season is such a busy time and we get so consumed with all the stuff that goes with it and forget that people are more important.  I do really like your painting, it has some nice qualities.  And the loose unfinished look is not a bad thing, it's closer to impressionistic.  I can imagine what it would be finished, but that is up to you to decide.  Who's to say when a piece is finished or not.  The point is, you were happy enough to use it as is and it is an enjoyable piece.  Keep it up.

Peggy

...thanks Lucy...I start with a good photo...because kids hate to sit still...but you have to keep it from looking like a 'photo'...

but I think that comes with just starting with a really good photo to start with...and changing anything you don't want in it...I'll bet you'll do it wonderfully!