Christmas at g'ma's & more owl painting ~

This evening we are having our first Christmas celebration at our house ~ while all the Grandloves can make it.  We'll be doing Christmas Eve over at my Mom's.   I'm cooking up a ham and some baked beans, the girls are doing dinner rolls and veggie tray and cheesy potatoes, along with all the other little side dishes and cookies and fudge and all that stuff that makes you go YUM.

All three of my granddaughters still have school yet today and tomorrow.  They'll be getting off the bus here today ~ so come 4:00 the peace and quiet of the day will be gone :)   I'm looking forward to it.

I did a bit more on my painting ~ added a little shading, worked on some tail feathers, toe nails and started on a pine branch and some cones ...

from this:

to this:  

~ still a work in progress ~

What a change in pace when it comes to working with the oil paints ... like I had mentioned earlier ... this is my first time ever using them.  I think I like them!  I also like how vibrant they are compared to the acrylics.  One thing I've discovered ... it sure doesn't take much paint on the brush ... or pallet (in my case a waxed paper plate).  A little dab goes a long ways.  As you can see on the board ... I've been cleaning out my brush on the background.  I don't know if this is how you're suppose to paint ... but it's working for me.  Aren't you suppose to paint your background first?  I haven't been in an art class since 6th grade ... my memory fails me. I do remember Mrs. Wiita telling us that as she was filling up our water color paint trays.  Oh well ... to each their own.   That's how I've always approached anything artsy crafty ... it's your own creation and as long as it pleases you ... that's all that matters ... and if it pleases others ... BONUS!

note to Fred:  you had mentioned that "maybe" you should go get some paints ... DO IT!!! How are you going to know if you like it or not if you don't give it a try???

Until next time...
So it goes in my neck of the woods.
~mel