Elves, Sami and Holidays
Christmas is about colorful myths and nostalgic legends.
However, I often resist creating Christmas-theme images because I have yet to find a great concept that promotes both the spirit and the true origins of the tradition.
Nowadays, even with midnight mass and everything else, it seems to have little to do with Christianity and a whole lot more with an opportunity to celebrate. An excuse to bring more cheer in the world is not a bad thing.
Having said that, I was asked to create this children's book scene to illustrate a stanza in anticipation of the holiday season.
For this graphic watercolor illustration, I looked back into time and geographically, all the way back to Scandinavian elves and the reindeer Sami culture for inspiration.
I'm delighted that although this scene still feels a bit kitchy, its still captures some of the wonder of ancient myths and the vibrancy of the moment.
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Public Announcement: This blog post is part of a collection of 354+ posts from my original Wordpress blog "Dreaming Into Being" library. I've now retired and migrated it to “Wander & Paint,” my new blog posts at the United Wanderlust art shop. As time allows, I will be reviewing, editing, condensing, updating and releasing a number of these blog posts but not all of them.
Some posts require more precision surgery than others. I'll also probably be publishing new posts as the muse wills it and father time allows. This whole process may take a while but I think these blog post serve as great documentation of my process and reminds me of certain milestones. So, most of them will be made available again- at some point.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------