ILYS

This is a Christmas card I just completed for my mother inspired by a story she had written a few years back. It is a beautiful story about Christmas and what it really means. Not loosing hope. I did another painting of this story two years ago called, "THE BELLS WILL SOUND" Anyway, I hope you like it and the story. I posted a little portion of mother's story below.

This original was done with sepia watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper. It measures 5 x 7 inches.

"After what seemed like forever, she looked for a place to rest. There was a clearing below; however, not having ever ventured this far from Gogalea, she was afraid to be in the open, so she searched further and soon found a grove of cranberry trees – a perfect sanctuary and sure to be a source of nourishment for her journey. Hungry, tired and feeling very much alone, Ilys went from branch to branch among the cranberry trees, looking for just the right berry ripe enough to eat. Frost covered cranberries were the tastiest and being very good at berry-picking, she soon found the best one, then flew to a nearby moss covered rock to enjoy her breakfast. She thought filling her stomach would take away the deep sadness she felt, however, it only made her feel worse." ~S.B.

SNOWFLAKE

The Winter season is just about to arrive. A season of rest and deep thought. One thing that I have always loved about Winter is the snowfall. It is truly enchanting and full of magic. Have you ever listened to the snow as it falls? There is nothing like it and I dedicate this painting to the wonder of Winter. It is called, "Snowflake". I don't have a story for it just yet, but feel free to share your thoughts if you'd like.

This painting was created using watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper. It measures 8x11 inches.

One other note, I would like to thank the beautiful, Jessica, for modeling as the Snowflake Fairy. You can find her here.

May your day be a blessing and may you be a blessing to your day.

~James

Winter Refuge

Seeking refuge were the four fae. Their home destroyed by the season's last storm. To the loving owl they flew where they found shelter in his warm feathers.

This original watercolor measures 8x10 inches. I had started this painting before Christmas and I spent the last two days finishing it up. I really like the way that it turned out. Since the snow is still here, I can't help but continue to paint snowy scenes. God Bless.

LORIC'S CALLING

Today's painting is called "Loric's Calling". Loric is a character from another one of paintings, "Winterstock". He is a caring gnome who spends his days storing up food for the little forest folk that pass by his tree. He is also know to give them shelter on some of the very cold days of Winter. Where there is a need, Loric is there to offer his help. Having compassion for others is a beautiful thing and well....Loric is a great example of this.

This original measures 6x6 inches and is available here . It was painted using watercolors.

I had another wonderful day in the studio today. I am so inspired. That's all for now.

~ James

NEW LIFE

I have been longing for Spring for the past few weeks. It is always such a time of renewal. I love when the birds sing their song and the buds start to sprout. The colors slowly spring up everywhere and new life is all around to be seen. Breathe it all in....it is not too far off.

Nadine and I have been working on our house for the last 4 months. We have a beautiful new kitchen and there are three other rooms that we done in the near future. I have enjoyed getting back into my studio the past couple of days and I am so excited about painting.

Here is today's painting. It is called "New Life". The original is available if anyone is interested
here .

Okay, that is all for now. God Bless, James