An heirloom to treasure.

This past November, my kids' school held their annual Fall Festival and Silent Auction. I donated my services as a Silent Auction Item— offering a "ewe"nique opportunity for someone to buy a mixed media reproduction of their own home. 

David White and his wife Kelly bid on my item and won! I gave them the painting all wrapped up on Christmas Eve. Here is their home.

The White's House

11"x14" Mixed-Media Acrylic on Stretch Canvas 

The thoughtful details:

• Pages from an old book wrap the walls of the home;

• balsa wood columns add dimension to the front porch;

• a painted burlap matt is a welcoming added detail, while the fabric window simplifies the look;

• felted wool, yarn, pom-poms and buttons depict the lush landscape;

• the exaggerated roof was created using molding paste, acrylics and a pallet knife;

• masking tape and acrylics create a subdued sky.

• and finally, paper pulp was used to create a 3D tree that embraces the home; 

The meaning behind the expressionist style:

I drew a distorted home with exaggerated lines and angles, and added colorful accents to simplify the look and make it fun. At first glance, it's a simple home, but as you look more closely the thoughtful details are revealed. To me it almost looks like someone has given the home a big hug with a tight squeeze (just like my kids give to me). I'm sure the White's house has a lot of love in it. That's what makes a house a "Home".

Christmas Tree Painting— Day 17

"Christmas Tree" Painting by Jackson Crownover

I was out in my studio on Sunday night painting after dinner when Jackson came in and announced that he wanted to paint a picture with me. I was thrilled! My sons never want to do anything crafty with or without me! So I seized the opportunity and quickly got him all set up at the table with paints, brushes and the works. I turned on some cartoons and he happily painted the Christmas tree I sketched for him. When I could see he was starting to lose interest, I pulled out some candy canes to give him a little surge of energy and then helped him finish up the project. He was very proud when he finished and said, "Mommy, I fink you should put dis on your bwog."... so I did.

I made the fuzzy yarn retro light wreath on Sunday too. Wrapped some floral wire around the wreath and added the felt light cutouts. Another easy project to do with kids (if they're interested in crafty stuff— which mine are not.)

Be merry!