Here’s my rendition of the Man in Red. The original is in oil, 36x24 inches.
Doing a portrait of Santa Claus is a bit like painting Abe Lincoln or George Washington. You can’t monkey around with the archetype too much. At least that’s what I figured. I stuck pretty close to the Sundblom-standard, with maybe just a bit of “biker-dude” mixed in.
To all the readers of this blog, I wish you good tidings for this festive season. May it bring to you and to all of us a rebirth of hope and a triumph of innocence.
Beste Wensen voor tweeduizend en acht !
ReplyDeleteIt's Dutch, but I guess it doesn't need translation.
Card can be found on my website.
This is fantastic! The subject and style fit perfectly together, thanks so much for the "presents" of artwork that you share with us throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYour painting of Santa is an exemplar of the "Invite Delight" principle. You're immediately drawn in and rewarded by a closer look.
I can't remember when you did this. Was it before Dinotopia? I notice that Santa's got a T-rex in his bag.
Thanks, y'all. I painted Santa in 1993. Besides the T.rex, there's a painting of Waterfall City on the clock.
ReplyDeleteMy older son was kindergarten age when I invited the model to my home studio. Mr. Claus had to come not only in costume but also in character since the kids were around. It was a snowy February night, and we opened the door to see Santa standing there with snowflakes on his red flannel shoulders. He took all my directions with a jolly "Ho, ho, ho!"
Boy, did my son have a story to share the next day at school.
Just wanted to wish you and your family a merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnd I also love the detail in this painting, and the story behind it.
It's funny you might mention his resemblance to a biker, since, I once drew Biker Claus, and it seemed a very fitting rendition.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a Merry X-mas James.
ReplyDeleteLittle bit of trivia, apparently we have the Coca-cola company to thank for Santa's big red coat. Traditional old images of the jolly guy didn't show him in that color.