A little further along on this, original sketch had a bird nearly silhouetted standing in the foreground in the water … may not need it

Ok, here’s a little piece I’ve thrown together over the last day or so, to clear my head. Still have a ways to go, but it’s the calm before the storm, since I have 6 pieces underway similar to the boys in the bathtub.

Back to this one…. ok, I know some of you are getting sick of me dragging it out. But I think that since this piece was started just hours after my Mom passed away, it’s been a tough one to finish. There’s too much symbolism in it for me to get into here.

It’s also not easy to face something when one’s vision out strips the talent one possesses.

And that said, I’ve begun some major setting changes, things that bothered me that I could never quite pinpoint. Which I feel now unify the 3 groups. Also, adding deeper tones in the shadows, and simplifying some parts, hopefully will help me finish it soon.

Ok, so it’s my birthday, and people are saying I should spoil myself… so… I played some Beethoven on the piano, made a garlic spread (though I won’t have any out of courtesy to friends this evening), and painted. This has a few more tweaks to go.. but I guess I just really enjoy what I do, and consider that spoiling myself.

Oh, and I made an appointment for a shave at The Blind Barber, since it comes with a free signature cocktail… quaffing a bourbon during a shave, on one’s birthday seems like a perfect combination.

In the homestretch now on this piece…

Alright, back from Europe, back at the drafting table, and after being able to put my nose right up against some Holbeins and Dürers, I’m back at this one.

I’m still processing this moment.. 4 years, 1,000′s of miles, 100′s of e-mails, 80 something prototype revisions, 30 some box and packaging ideas, fights, epiphanies, tears, tantrums, breakthroughs… all for 3 little porcelain figurines. ( 9 more to go!)

Who wants one? Two? More? And yes, they will be there in time …

Just click on the menu tab at the top left, and choose the Shop option from the drop down menu, then you will see the option to click on Figurines.

I would like to announce the arrival of the first shipment of my exclusive
Christmas figurines. A very limited number arrived yesterday directly from
the porcelain factory (yes, I’m living with them). They are three of my
favorite international legends who bring Christmas presents, part of The
Gift Bearer series I’ve created.

Over 4 years in the making, I have been working directly with the artisans
at the factory to create these high-quality, superbly-detailed figurines.
And, just in time for the holiday season (thank you air freight), I will
offer them here as a ‘soft opening’ for a lower than retail price.

In the group photo from the left is: Santa representing the USA ($49.00),
the Christkind of Germany/Switzerland & Austria ($39.00), and Father Frost
with Babushka of Russia ($59.00). The second photo shows a close-up of the
Russian group, so you can see the fine detail.

If you have any questions about a specific piece, please let me know.

The pieces will be ready for shipment mid-November, and of course are
fully guaranteed for a refund if you’re not completely satisfied.

In the group photo from the left is; Santa representing the USA ($49.00), the Christkind of Germany/Switzerland & Austria ($39.00), and Ded Moroz (Father Frost) with Babushka of Russia ($59.00)

The pieces will be ready for shipment mid-November, and of course are fully guaranteed for a refund if you’re not completely satisfied.

Well, another ‘secret’ painting commission has been delivered, so I can now share it.

Latest update arrived from the porcelain factory during the night. The Russian group of Dyed Moroz & Babushka, is basically done…finally