The Santa Claus Nativity Painting: Painting In Miniature

Wise Men Still Seek Him
11x14", Oil on canvas
2nd Session

Wise Men Still Seek Him
11x14", Oil on canvas
3rd and 4th Session

I underestimated how challenging it would be to paint everything in miniature. Painting baby Jesus half the size of my little pinkie's finger nail was so much harder than I had imagined. To keep myself from giving in to sudden urges to run stark raving mad into the street, I decided to take a more positive approach and play a Christmas movie. Sometimes just having something light and comical in the background keeps me slightly distracted and entertained. My first choice, A Christmas Story. Ralphie makes me laugh.

Having actual figurines from my parents' nativity helped me match colors and set the tone.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/6th Session, The Completed Portrait

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
6th Session

I had so much fun painting yesterday afternoon and into the night, I could hardly stand it! It is exciting when I imagine what  the completed painting will look like and then have it actually turn out the way I was hoping. Since this is not always the case, I like to enjoy these moments when I can!

I decided that the green grass in the background was not necessary and in fact detracted from Gracie and the overall composition. Once that was replaced with blue sky, I painted in the balloon and then as a final treat, added the bubbles, entertaining additions to an already light and airy composition.

Now, the time has come to let the painting "rest" a few days before I look it over one last time with fresh eyes and make any additional changes. Since Gracie is a Christmas gift, she will need time to dry before delivery and framing.

It has been such a pleasure painting both of Gracie's portraits.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie And The Balloon

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
1st Session

One of the nicest compliments I can receive from a client is when they ask for a second portrait of the same subject. I really enjoyed painting Grace the first time and now, I have the pleasure of capturing her on canvas again. This second piece will be a smaller size, 11x14, and is from the same set of reference photos I took for her fist portrait. Now that I have the rough sketch taken care of I am excited to begin. Besides the balloon, there are some other fun surprises that I get to add to this composition.
This will be a Christmas gift and so I had better get busy!