The Miser

Yesterday, I posted another original on Etsy and I woke up this Morning to see that a very talented poet wrote a wonderful tale about it. The painting is titled, "The Miser". I am always excited when one of my paintings becomes an inspiration for another one's story. We ALL have different gifts and it's a joy to see when they're being used.
The original watercolor is available HERE

The Miserly Gnome

Mr. Gnome, why can't you see
It's bad to act so miserly
Have you a pain inside, so deep
Or, is it anger that you keep?

Count the blessings you possess
Others manage with much less
Nothing good can come from greed
This forest gives you all you need

Join us in our fairy ring
We'll eat and drink! We'll dance and sing!
A better time can not be had
You'll forget why you were sad!

Come witness the ferocity
Of fairy generosity
Do not fear a healthy start
And open up your vaulted-heart

You can only truly live
When you learn to freely give
For everything comes back to you
The way you really want it to

Okay! I'll try your strange advice
A fairy party might be nice...
When he finally acquiesced
He learned that he was truly blessed

He opened up, he laughed and cried
He found the feelings once denied
He danced a reel and sang with glee
He set his lonely spirit free

He saw the beauty of the land
Was more than gold he had on hand
No silver did he wish to own
But with Nature to atone.

Once returned to home-sweet-home
He thought it nice to be a gnome
From then on he always cared
And what he owned was gladly shared.

The Fairy Poet's work can be found HERE

Thank you, Theo!

Prayer, Dragon and Gnomie

I hope that this day finds you doing well and that you are settling into the new year nicely. I had a free day this past Saturday afternoon. The snow was falling and I was in the studio creating some new baby brownies/ACEOs. There are three new ones available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy. Each one is done using watercolor and gesso and they are one of a kind. I hope you like them. Here is the link BROWNIEMAN SHOPPE

I will be working on some book illustrations for the next few weeks in the evening hours, I will be sure to keep you updated. Have a special day.

Noah, the Gnome

I just couldn't wait any longer to create an image depicting our special little lad. Last night, I waited until everyone was in bed and I went out into the studio to do a picture of Noah as the gnome that he is. I created it using sepia colored pencil and gesso on sepia mat board. It measures 8x11 1/2 inches. I do have prints available HERE

 It was truly a joy to do a drawing of our little Noah and I'm sure there will be many more illustrations of him in the future. Today, I had another wonderful day with him. I've been trying to do more painting in the night hours because I seem to keep getting lost in those eyes of his during the day hours.

Be well everyone,

~James

LORIC'S CALLING

Today's painting is called "Loric's Calling". Loric is a character from another one of paintings, "Winterstock". He is a caring gnome who spends his days storing up food for the little forest folk that pass by his tree. He is also know to give them shelter on some of the very cold days of Winter. Where there is a need, Loric is there to offer his help. Having compassion for others is a beautiful thing and well....Loric is a great example of this.

This original measures 6x6 inches and is available here . It was painted using watercolors.

I had another wonderful day in the studio today. I am so inspired. That's all for now.

~ James

BABY BROWNIES

I am having so much fun creating these little guys. Each one of these little paintings is an original created with sepia ink and gesso on mat board. Just how little are these little Baby Brownies, aka BBs, they are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches and they sell for $25 each. I've turned into quite a baker with these brownies and there are more in the oven. I will try to keep you posted as much as I can. Here are a few samples of some.

Here is a link to the gallery were I post these daily, BABY BROWNIES . Well, that's all for now. God Bless you all. James

A HELPING HAND

Another day of painting today, a few thunderstorms, but all in all a peaceful day. I love to paint when it rains. The raindrops pitty pattering on the studio roof is music to my ear and an inspiration to the child within me. I think of things when I paint, but when the rain falls it puts me into even deeper thought. I'm thankful for the memories in my life and I'm thankful that God gave ua a memory to remember them. Today, I was thinking of Lady Darby, our wonderful Bassett Hound, as she is getting older, the thought has crossed our mind wether she will need a little red wagon. Here is my painting for today, it is called "A Helping Hand" and it is available here

Gilbert, the Gnome, is often seen lending a helping hand to the forest folk. Prickles, the little hedgehog, is no exception. Little Prickles had stubbed his toe weeks ago, but not realizing that his toe was all healed up, Gilbert pulled him along anyway in his little red wagon. Little Prickles didn't seem to mind at all.