I created this commissioned portrait three years ago! Amidst the return to teaching in the public schools, I realized that I never posted the final piece:

The goal was to surprise his wife and their mom with a garden portrait, but the timing - well, to meet the birthday deadline, I needed to begin in the middle of winter! So, on a cold, blustery morning in February, I met up with these three great kids and their dad (yes, also great!) at the Lincoln Park Conservatory's Spring Garden Show. Though indoors, the natural lighting of the conservatory provided the perfect opportunity to create an outdoor garden scene, in the middle of winter.
What a pleasure to greet these smiles and blooms in my studio during the gray winter days of  Chicago!

In September,  I got the gumption to begin painting this years' ornaments. I have now painted over 75 so far...

It's been fun to paint on miniature 2x2in. canvases, celebrating a bit of Christmas with each one.

Here's a small sampling:

To see available ornaments for purchasing, click on the link: http://www.dawneaton.com/hand-painted-ornaments.html

This year I also began creating personalized ornaments for babies, kids, families and young couples - How I wish I could show you those! (But I can't risk spoiling any surprises!) Here are my sketches though - inspired by 2 babies in our small group at church, who will celebrate their first Christmas this year.

If this sparks an idea for a gift, contact me by December 10th! (that's tomorrow!) [email protected]

I have also been celebrating on 2 1/2 x 3 1/2in. and 3x3in. canvases - and setting them on miniature easels.  http://www.dawneaton.com/miniature-paintings.html

I LOVE being part of surprises and giving special gifts!

I have a few larger paintings waiting in the wings - I look forward to sharing them with you in January. :)
I hope you are finding creative ways to celebrate the Season!

The last set of painted ornaments on mini-canvases for the Christmas 2012 season. :)
(These wee little paintings were completed and delivered after the sun had set - not the best conditions for the best photos.)

Click on each image for a larger view.

If you depend on my blog posts to see the latest work, you might think I've been up to nothin'. BUT, it's actually been quite busy here in the studio!

First, there was a house portrait done in pen & ink and watercolor. This was my client's childhood home. (We also had giclee prints made for his siblings.) It was like putting together a puzzle as I worked from 2 sets of photos - taken in the early 50's and the early 70's. It was pretty satisfying to see it all come together!

Then I was on to an M48 tank done in acrylic on canvas. Mr. B. got this for Christmas from his children. He rode on this tank when stationed in Vietnam. In order to capture the details on the tank, the position of the figure and the surrounding landscape, I worked from a combination of several photos (Including some I took at Cantigny Park nearby.)

Mixed in with those two commissions, I discovered mini 2"x2" canvases - which I turned into hand-painted ornaments. I painted about 50 during December!

Are you looking for a gift for a special garden lover? Do they have a favorite flower?
Daisy? Rose? Tulip? Sunflower? Poppy? Cosmos? Iris? Black-eyed Susan? ...

Browse the floral section and/or consider a commissioned painting including his or her favorite.

Consider a commissioned painting as a special gift for the animal lover on your list.

This portrait of 'Scuffy' was a Christmas gift for 'Nana' and 'Papa' - in honor of a beloved family pet.

The paintings shown here range in size:
from a 5"x7" up to about 20"x30".

I get excited about giving gifts! ESPECIALLY when I feel like it's 'just right' for the recipient!

Last fall, Katie contacted me because she wanted to give her parents a special gift. She gathered her siblings and together, they went in on a pen & ink and watercolor portrait of her family home.

I'm now working on a portrait of L.'s boyhood home. When it is finished, scanned, and color corrected, I will be getting quality giclee prints made for his siblings. Shhh...

If this gives you any ideas - contact me! Click here to see more examples of the house portraits I've done in the past.

'The Fabs' (4 long time friends)
wanted to give their beloved 'Honey'
(one of the Fab's moms)
a special retirement gift.

Honey loves white tulips. The 5 blooms in the bouquet represent each of the women. When Honey was described as "a very lovely person with a bright warm smile and a huge heart", a golden joy-filled background came to mind. 


Celebrating friendship and the love for a Mama - I love it! Happy retirement Honey!

Honey's reaction to her gift. :)

If you've got special someone in mind - I'm in! Contact me and we'll talk about ideas and pricing.