Wednesday, December 23, 2009

As Christmas Nears...

It's almost a wrap. This Christmas season, quieter than usual, is the first in my new studio/gallery, Voilart! Except for the panicked husbands and boyfriends who will breathlessly burst in on the eve, I'm ready for eggnog. And my favorite pirate, Captain Morgan.

Our "Marvelous Minis for Merry Making" exhibit went well and will continue through Dec. 31st. It's an opportunity to start a collection or add to without straining the budget. Several were purchased as holiday gifts.

I admit it - I struggled with the technical aspects of painting so tiny. After applying a ground on ten 5"x7" canvas panels, three were completed before I passed the rest over to Jackie's easel. Okay, so I can't depict a field of twelve runners with grandstand in the background on a 5"x7". However, landscape subjects just seemed to lend themselves to the microscopic format. Thank you Jackie for carrying the show. I did have some 8"x10" 's and 11"x14" 's which I was informed qualify as "minis".

miniature horse paintingRemaining "mini" in a nice frame.

Notice the recent absence of racing subjects? I should say: "What's missing from this horse racing blog?"

Here's a start on a perennial favorite: foxhunting. One observer stated: "THAT'S how you draw out a painting? With squiggles? Notice the "squiggles" on the horse to the right. Hey, it's all in the noggin' beforehand.

foxhunting paintingWhen all else is...tentative...there's Dave:



A blessed Christmas to you all. I wish you peace, joy, wisdom and divine guidance in what I affirm is a rapidly improving year of 2010. Hold close those you love and cherish.

"Nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas" - N Synch.


8 comments:

Karen McLain said...

Merry Christmas Sharon! All the best to you in 2010-Happy painting!

Nancy Moskovitz, artist said...

I love my mini! Dave is a day brightener. So funny!

Jan Blawat said...

Sharon, I think minis are great for you. You have a way of putting so much action and expression into your work, even a segment of it seems alive. And the fact is most of us who love art don't have big spaces left on our walls. Consider yourself the master of works big and small. And also you're a pretty good cat trainer. Here's to the beginning of a great new year!

JonesMoore Studio Art, Lisa JonesMoore said...

Hello! I thought a good way to start the new year would be to visit and comment on a blog I've never visited before. And, lo and behold, you are also an artist! I do mixed media and encaustic collage in the Seattle area. You do beautiful work. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Every essence of horse is caught in that mini- the power of the neck and the majestic face.

Dave looks like your new entertainment center! What a kitty!

You will never run out of ideas or fans. That's my prediction for '10.

Anonymous said...

Every essence of horse is caught in that mini- the power of the neck and the majestic face.

Dave looks like your new entertainment center! What a kitty!

You will never run out of ideas or fans. That's my prediction for '10.

Sharon Crute said...

Karen: A great New Year to you as you embark on what I consider the impossible: plein air horse painting!

Nancy: so glad you're pleased with the mini. Yes, Dave is wonderful but I'm now questioning my sanity!

Jan: The minis were a challenge for me and I appreciate your comment. A Happy New Year to you - from my menagerie to yours.

JonesMoore: Thanks so much for stopping by and especially for keeping the art of encaustics alive and well. Love your fascinating artwork...

Anon: I accused hubby Michael of writing that comment but he vehemently denies it. I...dun..no..

Bonnie: I love your eloquent descriptions (thank you!) and yes, Dave is the best comedian ever!