Your Art Inspired by Santa Nutcracker

  Enjoy the art inspired Helen's Painting, Santa Nutcracker.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Lynn Hanousek: Chrismacat

Facebook: Lynn Hanousek Designs

Acrylic on canvas, 4x4

It has become somewhat of a tradition for me to paint pictures of cats in Santa hats. This is one of my latest. In a year where we had to learn to do many things we’ve always done in a new way, it was comforting to be able to do something the same old way as usual.

 

Deidre Townsend: Ceramic Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

Photograph

This ceramic Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus (that’s what we always called it) figure has been in my family at least 50 years. My maternal Aunt Evie stained and fired it before I was born and gave it to my mom to display at Christmas. I’m not entirely sure how old it is. I can’t remember a Christmas that this hasn’t had a place of honor, usually on an end table with angel hair spread out underneath it. After my father passed away, this was the main thing I wanted from my childhood home. I can’t imagine decorating Christmas without it. I have to reveal that I usually leave it out all year because I love it so much!

Deidre Townsend: Nutcracker Ornament

Acrylic on Glass Christmas Ball

I was running out of ideas for decorating Christmas ornaments. I received the December’s inspiration and voilà, more ideas popped into my head. 
Thanks Inspiration Collaboration!

 

Sara Harley: Santa

saraharley.ca

Photograph

One of my favourite things about the Christmas season is unpacking the decorations. I have a few things that are meaningful to me and I enjoy the memories they bring. My Santa is hand carved, but the special thing about him in my eyes is his wistful expression, almost as if he is wishing for a simpler time when the season was all about joy and friendship and love. I photographed him in front of a stained glass window I created several years ago.

Inspiration Image:  Santa Nutcracker by Helen Eaton

I have quite a few nutcrackers, but I love this particular guy the most.  He's kind of medium sized and not fancy at all, but every year he stands on the window sill right beside the fireplace.  That's his place of honor.

Do you have a special Christmas ornament or holiday decoration that has a certain place of honor on the tree, the mantle, or window sill? Is it special because of who made it, who gave it to you, where you were when you got it, or just because you like it?

Your Art Inspired by Winter Wonderland

Medium Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's photograph, Winter Wonderland.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Nelvia McGrath: Winter Wonderland

Instagram: @nelviamcgrath

Mixed Media, 10”x10”, repainted new image over old one, primarily acrylic with pops of pastel and color pencil

A cardinal is perfect for this time as year.  Not only are they beautiful but are believed to be visitors from heaven.  Many believe cardinals appear when loved ones/angels are near, reminding us of departed family members and bring heaven-sent messages of love.  Ending this difficult year, we all need a little extra love and a true pop of color to brighten these dark winter long days.  We have a pair of cardinals who visit our feeder and appear like clockwork right at dusk before they roost for the evening.  
Wishing all a wonderful holiday season.

Helen Eaton: Autumn Buck & Doe

Blog: wordweaverart.com

Oil on Canvas, 6"x 8"

When we go for walks down our road, we're greeted by our forest friends. They stop what they're doing and stare at us until one of them gives the signal (that sounds like a sneeze).  Then up go their tails and away they go into the trees.

We see them every single day, so they know us. That doesn't mean they trust us.  That's okay.  They need to be wary of people. We love them anyway.

Inspiration Image:  Winter Wonderland by Sara Harley

My winter wonderland is a silent world with a dusting of snow. If I'm lucky I'll spot some woodland friends, their beauty and grace filling my heart with peace.

Your Art Inspired by Peppermint

Medium Enjoy the art inspired Helen's Painting, Peppermint.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Sara Harley: Wrapped in the Season

saraharley.ca

Photograph

Something red and white with a twist...our Christmas tree lights! Taken in the evening with the house lights turned off and a slow shutter speed on my camera, I was able to "paint with light" and create this double exposure. A figure eight twist in ode to Helen's peppermint candy wrapping, overlaid with a heart to show my love of the season.

Sheila Strickland: Merry Christmas

Web page: https://welcomehomeretreat.com/

Scrapbook, 12"x 12"

COVID 19 made this year of 2020 a stay-home-stay-safe mess, but the sweet result of enjoying being together is a benefit we will remember. 

Inspiration Image:  Peppermint by Helen Eaton

Every season has its flavor, and peppermint belongs to December.
'Tis the season!

 

Your Art Inspired by Home for the Holidays

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's image, Home for the Holidays.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Helen Eaton: Revisiting Christmas Past

Blog: https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 10"

This chimney sits along the road near my brother’s house. It sits there in a little field all alone, but it's not lonely. I imagine what this old chimney has seen. I imagine it kept a family's cabin warm for years and years. I imagine the farmer who stacked the logs and built the fire. I imagine his wife who poked the logs and kept the fire going. I imagine the children doing homework in front of it. I imagine a cat curled up on the hearth. I imagine stockings hanging from the mantle year after year. 
I imagine... 

Inspiration Image:  Home for the Holidays by Sara Harley

This holiday season will be very different than any of our memories, and we may not get home for the holidays. But the magic will still be there if we open our hearts and minds.

December Inspiration

There's a thought, a story, or a memory behind each Inspiration Image.  They are each chosen with the hopes that one of them will give you an idea of your own.  It's a pleasure each month to watch the diverse pieces of art that you create and add to Inspiration Collaboration.  You've come up with art in your photography, oil painting, wood burning, crochet, acrylic, collage, jewelry, pen and ink, colored pencil, floral arrangement, quilting, scrapbook pages, poetry, watercolor... 

Click HERE for instructions on how to submit your work.

We can't wait to see what YOU create this month. Whether this will be your tenth or your first time to add to our collection of art, we welcome you.

December Inspiration 1:  Peppermint by Helen Eaton

Every season has its flavor, and peppermint belongs to December.
'Tis the season!

 

December Inspiration 2: Home for the Holidays by Sara Harley

This holiday season will be very different than any of our memories, and we may not get home for the holidays. But the magic will still be there if we open our hearts and minds.

December Inspiration 3:Santa Nutcracker by Helen Eaton

I have quite a few nutcrackers, but I love this particular guy the most.  He's kind of medium sized and not fancy at all, but every year he stands on the window sill right beside the fireplace.  That's his place of honor.

Do you have a special Christmas ornament or holiday decoration that has a certain place of honor on the tree, the mantle, or window sill? Is it special because of who made it, who gave it to you, where you were when you got it, or just because you like it?

December Inspiration 4: Winter Wonderland  by Sara Harley

My winter wonderland is a silent world with a dusting of snow. If I'm lucky I'll spot some woodland friends, their beauty and grace filling my heart with peace.