Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It wasn't until Zacchaeus' heart changed that he was able to help Nodi, the little shrew in need... 

I haven't been able to paint too much lately due to watching our little son but I have been able to pick up some paper and draw a little more. I've been really inspired lately to create imagery that depicts friendship, caring companionship and yes, all set in a wintery landscape. It's so important to reach out to others in need, especially in a world of so much turmoil. 

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2011 bless you in a special way.  This image was created using pencil and gesso on mat board. It measures 8x10 inches.

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.