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MEDIUM: Watercolor on Aquabord™ with Scratching
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SIZE: 8" x 10"
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STATUS: For sale $350, in a wood frame with a silvery finish
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PRINTS: Giclee prints are available (contact Judy)
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ACCOLADES: This painting was entered into the 52nd Annual Oak Ridge (TN) Open Show. Juror Kim Winkle gave it the following critique: "Impeccable use of detail. This is a charming piece that is well done with excellent technique."
"After doing a couple of portraits in watercolor on paper of white-bearded men I wanted to try another, but this time on white scratchboard. What better known and loved white-bearded man is there than Santa Claus? Last Christmas season I had arranged to meet "the Real Santa" to take some photos for future painting references. Santa actually spends his time away from the North Pole living right here in my hometown in Tennessee. Among his off-season activities is "Santa's Berry Farm" where he grows and sells blueberries, open for folks to pick their own delicious berries.
The characteristics of white Aquabord® scratchboard made it ideal for depicting Santa's hair, white mustache, and beard as well as the white fur of his clothing. His signature tightly curled 'handbar mustache' added uniqueness to the character. This is my first portrait of a face with eyeglasses, another learning experience. I invented the background to look like an old-fashioned Christmas tree, and softly lifting color helped me suggest colorful lights and reflective ornaments tucked back in the branches. It was fun to create the look of silvery satin and glittery ball ornaments with their highlights and reflections. The gold button was interesting to paint too.
I am happy to report that Santa is pleased with my portrait of him. I think I've earned a spot on his "nice" list!"
