Groovy Snowman Painting

This 8x10 acrylic painting, completed in 2016, was inspired by my efforts to master snowy scenes.  

The piece is a recreation of a work by the talented artist Vickie Wade from her Snow and Christmas Collection. I admired how she blended soft, cool winter tones with the warm earthy hues of the children’s jackets. I aimed to capture that same effect and was pleased with the result.

Check out Vickie Wade Fine Art Collections

Below is a series of photos showcasing the painting process, starting with the finished piece and followed by step-by-step progress shots.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland: A Journey in Christmas Painting

Creating Christmas-themed paintings is both fun and challenging. The image below captures my journey of trial and error—adding and removing characters until the composition finally came together.  

My process is often a bit scattered, much like my preparatory paintings, as I explore ideas before committing to a final concept. Before starting this particular piece, I spent hours searching for inspiration, sifting through countless photos. Ultimately, the idea for this project sparked from a charming Christmas card.  

When my mind is bursting with ideas, I often create quick thumbnail sketches to refine the layout. If my memory falters, I rely on reference photos as visual aids to bring clarity to my vision.  

Deciding on the story I wanted to tell with this painting was a challenge. My first attempt featured a lively scene with children playing in the snow—building a snowman, a dog enjoying an igloo, and kids sledding in the background. While it was fun to paint, the composition felt overly busy and lacked cohesive planning.  

In the end, I opted for a simpler yet whimsical narrative: Santa building a snowman on his winter wonderland farm. This second idea became the final version, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.  

Painting Christmas Cards

When it is cold and blustery outside and you’re looking for a fun Christmas activity to do with the kids? Paint seasonal greeting cards. 

For this project, I used 5.5 x 8.5-inch cold-pressed watercolor paper. I started by folding the paper in half and then painted my subject horizontally. Although I typically use watercolor paints, I decided to use acrylics for this piece to achieve a more vibrant, textured effect. While you can choose any theme for your greeting cards, I opted to paint a snowman, inspired by the winter season and my love for capturing the charm of snowy landscapes.

Snowman on a Winter’s Night

‘Tis the season to paint winter scenes! But how does one capture the magic of snow on canvas? I quickly discovered that creating realistic snow takes more than a few dabs of white paint. After several attempts, I turned to YouTube in search of fun, beginner-friendly tutorials featuring winter themes.  

For me, snow is one of the trickiest subjects to paint. It’s not just white—it’s a blend of cool, warm, and neutral tones that bring it to life. To make the process enjoyable rather than overwhelming, I found a simple step-by-step video tutorial for painting an adorable snowman. It’s perfect for beginners and makes for a charming winter project.  

Looking for a creative gift idea? This snowman painting could be the perfect personal touch! Check out the video tutorial linked below and start your own winter masterpiece.  

Tutorial of “Snowman on winter night” 

 

Repurpose and Renew

I often repurpose old canvases to bring new subjects to life. However, not every project goes smoothly. For example, when I try to paint purely from imagination, the results often fall short. Without the guidance of reference photos, my brain struggles to create visually compelling images. That’s when I turn to my photo library or search online for inspiration.  

For this project, I’m exploring an underwater scene featuring a curious octopus being stalked by hungry sharks.  

Stay tuned—I'll share more photos as the painting progresses! Inspirational Photo

Refining details surrounding the subject help create texture 

Detailing shadows and enhance lighting 

 

Balancing Inspiration and Originality in Art

When starting a new project, I seek out inspiration photos of the subject I want to capture. If I don’t have the right images in my personal collection, I search online to find the perfect composition and perspective. For this particular project, I was looking for reference photos such as an octopus, sharks, sea grass and starfish which I will incorporate into my work.

People often ask me, “Isn’t that copyright infringement?” While it can be, I usually alter the image to make it my own. I’m reminded of a quote often attributed to Picasso: *“Good artists copy; great artists steal.”* I’m not suggesting this is inherently right or wrong, but it’s how I’ve learned to paint a variety of subjects. Without a photographic memory, this approach helps me refine my artistic process.

Look out for my next blog post when I merge my subjects. 

Spooky Mannequin Makeover

Decorating pumpkins for Halloween is a classic tradition for many, but I’ve taken a different approach. Instead of pumpkins, I decorate mannequin heads I’ve collected over the years. As a hairstylist, having extra mannequin heads lying around is common, so I thought, why not turn them into unique Halloween decor? With a few strokes of acrylic paint and a bit of inspiration, I've found this makes the usual pumpkin carving seem almost dull in comparison. Each head takes on its own eerie character, bringing a twist to the Halloween spirit! 

 

Painting Sunsets

I’m in the beginning stage of painting a lighthouse with a beautiful sunset backdrop. The inspiration for this piece came from a photo I found online and wanted to recreate this subject using acrylic paint. 

Where do I start? Was my question as I studied the photo. At times, I have to study other artist’s paintings or follow along with a YouTube tutorial. However, I decided to get started and see what happens. I began with painting the entire canvas a light yellow hue diluted with water. Then I preceded with painting the top portion of canvas with a pink (magenta) tone mixed with white. The bottom portion I used a darker pink tone mixed with crimson red, orange, magenta and white. I did not gradient the paint in with the yellow because I waited too long since it had dried. 

Next, I used a mixture of crimson red, orange, magenta ultramarine blue and white until I was satisfied with the color for sky. When I begin a painting project on my own without help from a tutorial I often make many mistakes and try and learn from them. That is what I call a working experience or just plain luck if my subject turns out.

For the center color I use raw umber, ultramarine blue, crimson red, orange and white. Basically, the same colors I used for the sky but added more raw umber to create the land stretched across the center of the canvas.

The fun and most challenging part of a painting is when it’s time to blend or get rid of hard edges. This helps create a more realistic sky. This takes practice and after 20 years I still have issues. Recently, I purchased a mop brush to help with this technique and find it does help. Learning how to paint is the “why” I love most. It also is satisfying when a painting takes on a life of its own. 

Lastly, I use a cut out shape of the lighthouse to see where I will eventually paint my main character. It helps me see visually instead of instinctively knowing where to place this shape. That way I don’t begin painting and say, “whoops”; it doesn’t look right and then paint over my error. 

After a few minor adjustments—like removing the sun from the left side of the painting in the second photo below—I realized it wasn't where I wanted the light source, as the light appears to come from the right. I also brightened the sky around the lighthouse and enhanced the light beams, as shown in the first photo. Now, this painting feels complete.  

Sunset Cruisen

Living near the Mississippi River, you're treated to an endless variety of sunsets—each one unique and fleeting. Capturing the perfect sunset with the ideal subject, like a paddleboat, feels nearly impossible unless you have a camera ready to shoot at just the right moment, every evening.

This painting was inspired by a photo taken by an unknown photographer, someone whose work I would love to credit if only I knew who they were.

 

Tortoiseshell Cat

When starting an animal portrait, my process begins with selecting reference photos that clearly capture the pet's unique expression, particularly focusing on the light and emotion reflected in their eyes. While fur texture is important, I believe the essence of the pet is conveyed primarily through their eyes and facial expression, which helps owners immediately recognize their beloved companion in the artwork. I decided to incorporate a green background to accentuate the pet’s eye color, creating a balanced and harmonious composition that draws the viewer’s focus to the most expressive features.

Santa Silhouette

As Fall approaches, I start seeking out Christmas inspired subjects like the one below.

I use bluish-purple tones on one side, balanced by a soft salmon-pink hue on the other, to create glowing undertones reminiscent of moonlight. Adding subtle touches of the pinkish tone throughout brings harmony and intrigue to the composition. For the finishing touch, I add a silhouette of Santa and all of his reindeer. 

 

Haunting Hollow Eve

Painting seasonal themes, especially those featuring spooky characters like 'Pumpkin Man' and his eerie sidekicks, can be incredibly fun. Using blue monochromatic tones set a haunting mood, while bursts of complementary orange, along with accents of lime green, light blue, warm yellow, and hints of red, create striking contrast and vibrant focal points. This interplay of colors adds both tension and depth, bringing the characters to life in an unsettling yet captivating way.

 

 

A Reflective Journey

“Sometimes, when life feels monochromatic, it's time to walk along rainbow-colored hills. With the sun warming my face and moonlight guiding my side, I speed down a golden path of youthful freedom until it narrows, slowing my pace along a silver-lined trail. A gleaming forest in the distance—my sanctuary, my valley of rolling hills—urges

me forward, preparing me for the climb to a tall mountain's peak. There, I stand, reflecting on the beauty and challenges of the journey, grateful for the path that led me to this moment.”

When I began the sketch of what would later become this painting. I wanted to create a social commentary art piece. My thoughts were to show a timeline through rolling hills and valleys. Placing elements using various of events that resonate with me from the early 1960’s until now (2024). When my sketches did not illustrate what I wanted. Then I continued on with the rolling hills and added interesting colors. Afterwards it hit me, what I had been unconsciously thinking while painting. The beginning of life and the hills and valleys along the way. 

 

Haunting Hues of Autumn

Halloween and fall are my favorite times of the year. The crisp air, the scent of autumn leaves, and the festive decorations all contribute to a magical atmosphere. One of the most inspiring aspects of this season is the vibrant palette of colors. The bright hues of orange, gold, rust, red, and purple create a stunning display that I love to capture in my paintings.

When I began this particular painting in acrylic, I opted for a monochromatic style. Initially, I thought the shades of blue would evoke more of an eerie essence. However, as I stepped back to evaluate my work, I realized that the blues felt dull and lacked the vibrancy I associate with Halloween. The painting didn't convey the energy that I wanted.

So, I decided to make a change. I started introducing more intense and varied colors, layering rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows over the blue base. This transformation brought the painting to life, adding depth and interest. The new colors captured the substance of the season much better, reflecting the dynamic and lively haunting spirit of autumn.

This process highlighted the importance of flexibility and creativity in art. Often, initial ideas don't go as planned, but with experimentation and boldness, they can transform into something more captivating. Each setback became a chance to learn and grow, encouraging me to explore new techniques and perspectives.

 

Ocean’s Introspective Hues

 

During a recent vacation in Florida's Panhandle, I found myself deeply inspired by the natural beauty that surrounded me. This inspiration led to the creation of two distinct oil paintings, each capturing the essence of a unique moment I experienced by the ocean.

Early one morning, I awoke to find the coastline enveloped in a dense fog. The ocean waves crashed with a muffled roar, barely visible through the thick mist. The atmosphere was misty, blustery, and almost gloomy, yet there was a serene simplicity to it that I felt compelled to capture on canvas. The fog seemed to cloak everything in a soft, muted blanket, reducing the landscape to its most essential elements. Despite the drabness of the weather, there was a calming feeling that reverberated through the scene, offering a sense of peace and introspection. I aimed to capture tranquility and minimalism in my first painting by highlighting the delicate interplay of muted blue and shadowy gray hues, with a touch of burnt sienna, as the fog gently rolled over the water.

As the day progressed, a dramatic transformation took place. The sun emerged, burning off the fog and revealing a clear, brilliant sky. The day unfolded in vibrant hues, culminating in a sunset so spectacular it seemed as if the sky were set ablaze. The fiery oranges, reds, and purples of the sunset reflected off the ocean, creating a dazzling display of color and light. This breathtaking scene inspired my second painting. To convey the intensity and texture of the moment, I used a palette knife, adding bold strokes and layers to give the painting a dynamic and tactile quality.

These two paintings, born from the same stretch of beach on the same day, encapsulate the ever-changing beauty of nature. From the quiet, foggy morning to the radiant, fiery sunset, each piece tells a story of transformation and the simple yet profound beauty found in everyday moments. Through my art, I aim to share these experiences, inviting viewers to witness the world through my eyes and perhaps find their own inspiration in the ordinary and extraordinary alike.

Smoking Dragon

When I began this painting, I intended to use minimal detail. However, once I started, my OCD set in, and I found myself adding more and more intricacies. Like many of my previous works, this painting became a journey of discovery. I had painted a dragon scene 15 years ago, hoping my experience would make this piece go smoother. That was wishful thinking. Despite my initial plans, I couldn't resist adding details, making the process both challenging and enjoyable.

A few years ago, I wrote a short novella about a dragon and wanted to illustrate it, but my drawing skills were worse than those of a pre-K child. Only recently have I begun incorporating a more illustrative style into my projects. This painting was made for my eldest grandson, who loves reading about the many adventures of dragons. 

 

Smoking Dragon

Experimenting With AI

Lately, I've been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to see how it can assist when I'm stuck or struggling to find inspiration for my artwork. In the past, when I needed ideas for a painting, I would google descriptions and sift through the images that appeared, using them as a tool to spark my creativity. However, I've discovered that AI is much faster and more precise. Here is the beginning stage of my latest painting on a 24 x 36 canvas. Will post more later when complete.

Apps like Playground can do the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is write a descriptive narrative of what you’re looking for, and within seconds, an image is generated. While it may not be exactly what you envisioned, it often comes very close. This new approach to generating imagery is incredibly efficient.

Update: I recently added my star of this painting; Dragon and Knight. Eventually, I will add more detail and characters later to share with you as I progress. 

One of my favorite parts of a painting is the planning stage. Generally, I stockpile several photos found online and use as inspiration. Now using AI; gathering photos couldn’t be easier. 

 Many artist use a thumbnail pre-sketch before placing on canvas. Personally, I like to wing it or in other words not plan it out on paper first but see what transforms in real-time on canvas. 

Stay tune, more to come…

 

Alchemy of Mediums

This piece was an exploration into the dynamic interplay of natural latex liquid, tube watercolor paint, and copper leaf sheets. With minimal prior experience in these mediums, I embarked on this experimental journey to observe their synergies and how they would manifest on the canvas.

Beginning with a delicate application of liquid latex, I allowed it to organically spread across the pristine white canvas, manipulating its flow through subtle tilts and controlled movements. Employing a straw, I introduced air currents to further animate the liquid, imbuing it with a sense of motion and vitality.

Once the latex had set, I applied tube watercolor paint, allowing its pigments to interact with the textured surface created by the latex. As the paint dried, I carefully peeled away sections of the latex, revealing intricate shapes and patterns beneath the rich hues of dark blue and purple. To enhance the visual complexity, I introduced vibrant tones of red, orange, and yellow, layering them to create depth and contrast.

Finally, to add a touch of opulence and intrigue, I adorned the center of the composition with delicate copper leaf, elevating the overall aesthetic and inviting further exploration of the piece's nuanced details.