How’s this all come about anyway? As August and September roll around, I start thinking about IF I want to do a holiday series. Usually that dependents on if there’s something I want to paint; something that I think will be fun and interesting that people will enjoy. That is half the battle because believing in what I’m creating is essential. At first this year, I really had nothing. No ideas that excited me, so I figured I’d sit this year out. But I was still mulling things over, trying to decide if that was the right decision. Something was nagging at me saying…you can think of something fun…come on. Then I remembered a Sock Monkey painting I did a couple years back; he was with a bunch of art supplies and was a big hit. I got a couple requests for him in other situations but because of the holiday time frame, I couldn’t deliver. But this could be a series… It’s definitely playful, quirky and something different…. PERFECT! Yep, Good ole’ Sock Monkey paintings! I knew I found my answer. THIS was IT! I was thinking about Elf on the Shelf and then started thinking I could substitute Sock Monkey into all kinds of Holiday situations in kinda the same way. The rest is history…well …sock monkey paintings actually. Now I just had to think of a counterpoint. I think that makes it all more interesting…mixes things up a bit. This was easier for me. I’ve been working on these “mash-ups”…These start as plein air paintings that I re-work with collage, painting and maybe some drawing to create a new artwork. part plein air and part abstracts. That fit the bill.
Some folks say they like the original painting better but the fact is that these paintings have been around for years. I can't hold on to everything forever, so the paintings I feel I can add new life to are the candidates for me to re-work. It does not always work out but luckily, so far, it's worked often enough.... PLUS I have a blast doing it! I love a challenge too and it's such a joy to take a rejected, tired old painting and re-energize it...give it new life. So that is what the Merry Mix Ups are! As for size of paintings, how many and when to launch the series, past experience, how much time I had to paint and the number of frames I had dictated my decisions there. Honestly, these types of projects can get weighty and not so much fun at a certain point but I have really enjoyed this one. It’s been the perfect size and a joy to create. I am glad I didn't just throw in the towel, say NO to the whole Holiday series idea and not give it another thought. I'm glad I listened to that little nagging voice inside. Do you think it was my inner Sock Monkey..poking me? hahaha To Subscribe to this years Tis the Season Click right here and hop on my mailing list...or check out the gallery page which will be up for the month of December. Have a Fantastic Holiday season. I wish you Joy, Happiness, Peace and Many Blessings......
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