Hi Everyone,
Christmas was wonderful and January has brought with it a lot of snow, making the world both beautiful and mysterious.
My break was enjoyable, but I didn't do a lot of painting or other art/crafts. I did, however, do a lot of reading. Novels on the go, also looked over a few art books; plus watched art demonstrations. Perhaps I absorbed something which might, with any luck, be bubbling below the surface. Who knows? But I feel it was time well spent. I love slipping into books; they are worlds of wonder.
“That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” Jhumpa Lahiri
Below a few wintry photos taken with my cell phone.
On the trail in the woods recently, I could hear trees crashing under the weight of, first, a few ice storms and then several snow storms. With many of the trees towering 50 feet or more above my head, I soon beat a hasty retreat to more open spaces.
Snow shoe tracks.
T
* * *
When I was a child, the first snow always brought on the urge to build a snowman.
Often the neighborhood kids would get together for the event. If I remember correctly, the hardest part was unearthing pebbles from the frozen ground for his eyes. At that time, kids ran hither and yon to procure a hat, a carrot for his nose, a scarf, etc.
In recent years mass produced snowmen seemed to be everywhere at Christmas. Not sure why but I find those a bit creepy.
So when I decided to build/paint a snowman, I searched the internet for pictures of happy, sweet snowman. I found so many inspiring sweet faces.
This is what I came up with.
One Creepy Snowman.
Soft pastel on re-purposed pastel mat paper.
I thought of painting a bird in the upper right area, but I guess this creepy guy can stand on his own.
Cultivate Your Dreams
53 comments:
...I love your winter wonderland, we are having a thaw.
Definitely wonderful for sure, Tom.
Love the snowy photos! How beautiful!
Happy Wednesday, Dixie!
Winter wonderland, beautiful photos and I love your snowman.
Greetings from Germany
Anke
Thank you, Veronica.
And a very Happy Wednesday to you too!
Many thanks, Anke.
Not quite creepy --but he does have rather diabolical eyes!
Sou beautifull snow.
This year has had many beautiful snowfalls.
Thank you.
Wonderful snowy scenes and you were right out in it. Your snowman is really cute...perhaps there's some mischief about the eyes.
Hi Vee,
It was fun to be out there in all that snow.
Thank you. He does have an attitude, I reckon. :^)
"Creepy Snowman"? It's not so creepy!
It's a real winter there!
May I ask you if when you finish a drawing in pastel you spray the surface for protection?
Have a fine evening and an inspired February, Dixie! 😘❤️
Thank you for this post Dixie but I don't care for the creepy snowman. I have a sweet brooch on my pea jacket with a lovely smiling face. That's what I prefer. Joannie
Those snow photos are just lovely!
It was beautiful out there that day.
Thank you, Joanne.
Hi Suzana,
Thank you for the good wishes.
I do not use a spray because I find it darkens the paintings. But a lot of people do use it.
Sometimes I use a workable fixative while painting if the tooth of the paper is getting full. That will allow an extra layer or two of pastel.
If framed properly, with spacers, any dust will fall inside the the gap between the mat and the painting. So far I haven't had any problems.
Enjoy the evening... and Happy February! :)
For reasons that I can't explain I find most of the manufactured snowmen creepy.
I do enjoy admiring the real ones.
Best Wishes to you, Joannie. xo
Undisturbed snow is so beautiful. Your twist on which snowman you decided to paint made me smile. Wasn't expecting as I scrolled down. Great painting though.
Thank you, Peabea.
Glad the snowman made you smile.
He does have a humorous side. :)
Just like out of my window
Hi Lillian,
So pretty where you live as well.
And I see you are really enjoying all that winter has to offer.
Your snowman is kind of cute!
Beautiful wintry scenes! Lovely.
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-few-images-from-chinese-lantern.html
Thanks, Christine.
NCSue ..Many thanks and a big thank you for hosting too.
There is a lot of snow there. I love your creepy snow man. Have a great day today.
A lot of snow for sure. It's piles up mountains high in some areas.
Thank you. Mr. Snowman is growing on me. :)
Your creepy snowman is a lot of fun. But your winter photos are beautiful. It has been a strange winter where I live too, no snow, bitter cold, snow, no snow, warmth...I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week. hugs-Erika
Wonderful snow man painting.
Happy weekend xx
...you can't have a proper snowman without a carrot!
Thank you for sharing your creepy snowman with FFO. I love him.
Thank you. Have a lovely weekend...
I agree. Without a carrot--he's only snow.
Thank you, Nicole.
And a big thank you for hosting.
Happy that you shared your snowman with us at Art For Fun Friday.
Much❤love
Love your creepy snowman. My dog used to bark at snowmen, she didn't like them at all! Hugs, Valerie
That is a creepy snowman, Dixie. It is all in the eyes. I enjoyed your wintery photos, and I'm glad that you beat a hasty retreat from the woods. Falling branches are so dangerous. Have a safe and warm weekend!
Thanks, Gillena.
Have a lovely weekend...
Hi Valerie,
She was a smart doggie. :) Thank you.
Yes, it was scary in the woods with the branches cracking.
Always good to arrive home after a cool walk though and have a hot tea.
Enjoy the weekend!
Like you, I love the pristine snow. Your photos are lovely and your Snowman doesn't look creepy to me ... he looks a bit wind blown, but that can be a given in the winter. And nice effect in your pastel work. Have a lovely week and enjoy Valentines Day ... a time to remember it is important to let those around you that you love them.
Andrea @ From the Sol
Love the heavy snow falls.
Thank you, Andrea.
Happy Valentine's Day to you.
Enjoy the weekend...
What a magical winter wonderland you live in, Dixie. Books are wonderful to slip in and get lost, aren't they. Such an amazing background you have created with pastels in your snowman painting. I have to admit...those eyes and that grin makes me think what mischief your snowman is plotting. =)
Pretty winter photos <3
Your snowman has a nice smile, but somehow there is *something* about his eyes that is a little creepy. But how beautiful your winter is. It has been many years since I've experienced snow at all and I can't even remember that much ever. ..... I really like the quote about books letting you travel without moving your feet. I have been reading a mystery (police procedural) series set in Venice and have by now "traveled" there so many times I feel as if I'd recognize the City if I ever were fortunate enough to actually go there. (I do understand that Jumpa Lahiri isn't only referring to physical sites but also to your mind traveling to new ideas.)
Thank you.
For sure, we have had a very snowy winter. Recently, the sun has started to have a little power...so nice to see and feel. It would be wonderful to go to Venice!
I love your snowy nature. This winter is crazy. Winter is, kind of, on and off. One day white, next day grey.
I LOVE that creepy snowman Dixie lol, great find. Snow is so beautiful but I can't handle the cold anymore!! ♥
I think the snow pictures are wonderful, dear Dixie - snow simply enchants every landscape - but I feel sorry for the trees with this burden! I don't find the snowman that creepy at all, he reminds me a bit of the heavily made-up male actors of the silent film era. I especially love how the snowman blends into the background.
ALL THE BEST from Austria!
Traude
❤️
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/02/costa-rica-6-kapitel-tortuguero.html
All about snow here most of the time. Although a lot of rain too. Keeps us on our toes.
Thank you.
It's been surprisingly mild here this year. Makes for fluffy beautiful snow.
Thank you, Rain.
Yes, several trees have come down this year. Such a shame.
And alarmingly so when you can hear them cracking. Thankfully, many will survive.
Thank you for your comments, Traude.
Enjoy the weekend...
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