Even at this time when our country seems to be in uproar and divided, this time of year always makes me so happy and grateful for everything I have and I get swept up in the Christmas spirit. There are so many out there who don't have a fraction of what I have. Like the people in Malawi or Burundi who make the equivalent of 75 cents to $1 a day! I put 75 cents in my pocket sometimes to remind myself of this when I get caught up in worry about money or get jealous of those who have more than I do. These three quarters remind me that there are people out there who are worried that they may not even eat that day when I complain about fighting the crowd at the grocery store or how I don't have time to shop. I hate to be preachy, but really we have so much to be thankful for here in America. There are those who are suffering in our country too and things can always be improved here as well, but it's important for me to have a greater world view and remind myself of these extremes that exist in the world so that I can do and give my fair share without complaint. It's tough not to slip back into whiney grumbling so that's why it works for me to have those 3 quarters in my pocket from time to time. I can't save Malawi, but I can do my work with a smile and use my gifts the best I can each day.
November seems to be the month of minis for me. These are always a joyous experience because every little painting gives a little bit of light into someone's life. It makes us all feel good and brings us back to the present moment and gratitude when we can appreciate the simple beauty of life that is all around us. A couple of weeks ago I did about 50 little still lifes, 2.5 "x 3.5", and the outpouring of love from that was tremendous. This week I have started doing some little mini Christmas scenes, while listening to Christmas music of course! These 5 are going to my gallery here in Oklahoma City and of course 1 for my Mom. I'm also sharing some of my favorite Christmas minis (5"x7") from last year.
Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Christmas Minis - 2.5x3.5" and 3"x3"
Christmas Shopping - 8"x10"
Frosted Window Panes - 5"x7"
Pretty Packages - 5"x7"
If you like my blog and want to join, please do! I will be giving away a FREE Kelli Folsom Art Calendar + A Mini on Dec 1st and January 1st!
Kelli Folsom Art Calender 2017
6.5"x8.5"
$20 (free U.S. Shipping)
click the donate button on top right and include your shipping address
Kelli Folsom Sunrise Calender 2017
Folding Desktop 4" x 8"
$15 (free U.S. Shipping)
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Hi Kelli, I was curious, do you ever paint from photography? Or do you only paint from life?
ReplyDeleteHi Eric, 99% of what I do is painted from life whether it's a still life, landscape, portrait or figure. Only the Christmas scenes are done from photo and finishing a large landscape done from plein air sketch + photo.
ReplyDeleteThat is what I thought :) I finally quit being lazy and built myself a little shadow box still life setup so I can practice painting from life. I did an apple today and it seems to be a lot more fun and interesting than painting from photography for me. I've been told painting still life's from life is good practice for plein air so I'm going to do still life's all winter and get ready for plein air in the spring.
ReplyDelete