The Countess' Cedar Gown and Top Hat, Part I

Well, my old friend The Countess Papera Ephemera showed up for a new dress commission. This year, a 'Noel' evening gown as opposed to a Halloween one is in the making. She knew I wasn't going to be in St Marys for her yearly autumn request, so she postponed her trip and will be our spirited guest for the holiday season.

I gathered many decorative things from Christmases past and will transform her autumn top hat into a festive one. This time, I decided to give her a more modern look, along the lines of the 1940 silver screen legends. 

The lovely thing about Popie is that she understands the true nature of an artist and trusts me implicitly. That's how I like it. This is a luxury that I enjoy now that I work from home and have a spirit for a client. I ran out of glue so I will move on to the dress for now.

Below are shots of the cedar gown in progress.

Ultra-Violet looks innocent, but is most probably assessing the new indoor facilities. 

Come back later for the completion of the cedar tree evening gown.

Antique Cruet Set with Autumn Raspberries and Ladybugs

Antique Cruet Set with Autumn Raspberries and Ladybugs
8" x 10" acrylic on canvas

This charming cruet set made of silver and glass is no longer used today, but has a place of honour on the buffet of the St Marys Museum. It’s a place that reminds us that such lovely objects of the past can still be used and enjoyed today, but perhaps not necessarily for their original purposes. Using them to display delicate flowers is just one example. With the cruet set, I chose to feature autumn raspberry branches from my garden. With the branches came the ladybugs, very abundant at this time of the year, feasting on the ripening fruits.

I'm just back from Montreal, so until I'm back in the swing of things I'm leaving this little vignette.

Happy Halloween!

Antique Chandelier with Budgies - The English Study

Antique Chandelier with Budgies in the English Study
8" x 10" acrylic on canvas

Few things convey glamour, nostalgia and romance in a room like a crystal chandelier. The inspiration for this painting comes from the antique light fixture hanging in the English study of our home, the Dusty Victorian. Made of brass with cut crystal shades, it sparkles nicely against the ornate ceiling. Also featured are our two lively and chatty budgies named the Flying Wallendas. Although they’re never let loose in this room, I like to pair live subjects with inanimate ones. Whether it be, animals, insects or plants, I think it adds warmth and whimsy to my work.

I'm off to Montreal until the end of this month, so am leaving you with this little vignette.