Sending Holiday Greetings Your Way

Tuscan Poms and Grapes

Oil on linen

2010

It has been my tradition to paint or draw my own holiday card image since I was in college. Some years I have ideas in the summer months and have the cards at the printer's in October. Most years I am painting at the last minute and the printer worries that the cards won't be ready Christmas week. As with most people I know, I don't send out as many cards as I once did. I am sure most people think that sending cards will become a thing of the past since so many send email messages now. I still believe that people enjoy receiving a "hard copy" of a greeting. You can look at them more than once, they don't take up memory space on your computer, and they can be shared with others without having to type or click a key. I like seeing the family photos that many send.

My image this year is from a table setting in Tuscany. While going through my photographs to find something to paint, I came across my shot of the bowl of fruit. Very simple, and yet I immediately thought of the symbolism of the pomegranate for abundance, fertility, and good luck. It has been used for centuries as a decoration in many cultures especially Mediterranean countries. All this to say, I wish for you and your family a year ahead of prosperity, happiness, and peacefulness in your heart. If I can be of any service to you this year, please contact me. I cherish the relationship I have with you.

Remember that there would not Christmas without Christ.

Durinda

Painting Classes

Mike working on his watercolor Imke and Maren with their still lifes

I couldn't resist sharing a few shots from my weekly classes at Townsend Atelier since we finish up this week. The students this session were so dedicated and easy to teach. Mike had private sessions in watercolor painting on Mondays. He is an excellent draftsman with graphite (pencil) and wanted to learn to use color with watercolors. He really has developed his skills quickly. Tuesdays the morning "beginners", because most have a background in some form of drawing or graphic design, have sped through some still life paintings. Some with natural light and some had spotlights. The afternoon painters chose a landscape theme for this term and have painted their way through the seasons, finishing with a snow scene. We love our open space at the Atelier where we can arrange easels and setups in different ways. I can't believe the second session is coming to an end. Time flies when you are having fun painting!

New sessions begin January 10 & 11. Many of you know I have spent winters in Florida for the last eight years. This year I am going to try to "stick it out" here. It's not easy for me. I am sure I have S.A.D. So to prevent any downward feelings on these cold dark days, I have decided to have lots of color in the classes! We will use flowers of all sorts and sizes as subjects during the next term. I love to paint close-ups and also floral bouquets. So if you are craving some brightness in January and February, Peggy is taking registrations now! Don't feel you have to be experienced in painting flowers. We will start off with the basics. I will get back to landscapes in the spring, maybe a garden or two? And hopefully take a few of you outdoors with me painting. Until then, I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Colorfully yours,

Durinda