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Holiday Branch in lieu of Evergreen Tree
During the fall season, just before art class began, there was a gentle knock at the door and Jeannie, one of my painting students said, “My daughter was out hunting and brought back some branches. Would you like one?” I immediately replied “Yes!” She left the porch and in a few moments returned with a Vine Leaf Maple branch that was abundant with moss, lichen and some dried leaves. We placed the branch upright in the corner of the painting studio and as the rest of the artists arrived for class they all enjoyed the moss covered branch in the corner of the room. All of us had painted branches and scenes at one time or another and we had developed an appreciation for branches and their unique textures.
Knowing how much the artists in the studio enjoyed observing nature, it seemed like a good idea to give the branch a permanent home in the studio so that we could use it as a study when we happened to be painting branches or birds. After the students left I retrieved an old pickle crock that my parents had given me years ago and filled it with river rocks collected on outings during the summer months. Eventually the branch was decorated with hand painted ornaments. A few of the ornaments were received as part of an international ornament exchange that is held by PPIO.com (Porcelain Painters International Online) annually. Other baubles on the branch are hand painted or fused glass ornaments designed here in the art studio.
When the students returned to find the tree decorated with hand painted ornaments they commented how much they enjoyed the decorated branch. For me the decorated branch is a reminder of friendships that I have made throughout the last few years while painting. At this time I would like to thank the painters who arrive in the studio each Tuesday during the winter to paint and for the generosity of the painters I’ve met on the internet for sharing their artistic talents and information. May you all enjoy a Merry Holiday and a Happy New Year!
Do you have an annual tradition with artists that you would like to share? Post your annual or new holiday tradition.
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This week most of the students are painting roosters or a chicken. Determining the difference between a rooster and a chicken brings up some..ahem.. interesting conversation. 
