Paint Party Friday - Week 48 - The Nutcracker Quartet

I think I am finished! (Yay!)

First, THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate everyone's comments last week as to how to fix/improve my backgrounds, etc.

Clara's hair stayed blonde and I added the raw sienna and other high/low lights that people suggested to her hair and eyebrows.

Lots of you liked the copper - which was actually before the beige (not after - I probably wrote my description poorly). I had immediately painted over it as it looked so ghastly (photo didn't do it justice). Because so many liked it though I wondered what else similar I could do....

Stephanie suggested all the backgrounds be the same and that was my thought (but poor execution) too.

CarlaRey suggested stamping holiday symbols or music notes on to the background and that idea leapt out at me and said "Yes!" ...though since I didn't have such stamps, I spent some time painting music notes on the backgrounds (in my rather shaky and imprecise hand). Then I added a thin coat of gold paint and another of bronze (NOT copper). Now I am much happier plus they coordinate well with my living room!

Here they are!

The Nutcracker by EVA

Professor/Herr Drosselmeyer by EVA

Clara by EVA

The Mouse King by EVA (whiskers added after rest of the photos below were taken)

Together - leaning near where they will eventually hang (more separated) during Christmas season...

With their models...

...and in an assortment of groupings...

 

Whew!!

Thank you all for your help and encouragement! And to Heather, for making me laugh saying how early I was on my Christmas painting when I was thinking I was SO late! Love your attitude! ;)

Oh! I guess I should sign them...

I also have continued my efforts on Ayala Art's 29 Faces in February and today's is another in the "scientist series"...

Sir Arthur Eddington - astrophysicist

Have fun at Paint Party Friday and see you over the weekend!

P.S. Brandy just finished her pages for my Travelling Sketchbook and they are AWESOME!! First time in a while since I've seen any of the work done in my book. Wow!!