Showing posts with label Holiday Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Art. Show all posts

Friday, April 06, 2012

Watercolor Demo Easter candy

I have been trying to post at least one demo a week on one of my blogs either a watercolr demo on my Art on Paper blog or an oil painting on my Painting of the Day blog. Here is one I did for Easter.

For the month of April I am giving away one of my paintings. I will have a drawing at the end of the month. To have your name entered to win simply make a comment on one of my blogs during the month. Each time you comment your name goes into the drawing to win. The more comments you make during the month the greater your chances to win.I will post the winner at the end of the month





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Monday, May 30, 2011

This is our Memorial Day Weekend


This is a time traditionally set aside to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.
We are free people and we can disagree about where, and
how, and when we should defend freedom, but we are only
free because brave men and women have resisted tyranny. In
honor of those who died on 9/11, and to all of those who
have sacrificed through the centuries so that we can have
our picnics and watch our races, and have our debates



News Letter





" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.comHome Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, January 02, 2011

A Season of Painting


I wish you the happiest of holidays and the very best new year.


May we sell every painting we've ever done - even the ones hiding out in our closets and basements.


May your passion for art never end, but may you accept the ups and downs that come with the territory. May you realize from time to time the magic of paint. Paint on my friends.



" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.comHome Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy New Year


Happy New Year

What's YOUR New Year's Resolution?We all have areas that need work. How about sharing a taste of the e-business opportunities and challenges you are committing yourself to this coming year?

Today I am reviewing all the wonderful things that I did well and trying to make a plan for an even better 2011.



A Happy New Year from Delilah


POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.comHome Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Day of the Dead

How did fruit end up as treat ?



How did the few giant candy companies end up stamping out variety, selling giant bags of cheap chocolate instead?

Why are there articles every where on how to get rid of all the candy your kids got Trick-Or-Treating with out letting them eat it?

If they are not going to eat the candy,why not just have a costume party with games and fun?




How in the last few years, how did a trivial kids' holiday turn into a multi-billion dollar out of control industry for adults, complete with ornate houses and bespoke costumes?

Is it because of some well-orchestrated Halloween Marketers of America initiative? It just seemed to happen, didn't it?

Its called: Marketing
Sometimes artist just have to have a little fun and Halloween is the perfect time to play.It's a perfect time to do a little marketing of your own.

Try :

titles that are a little spooky,


colors of fall,




or just have fun with images.

I'm not sure what kind of Treats this guy is looking for but I'm sure he knows how to show a girl a good time.





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" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.comHome Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentines day

Zoro the Love Bandit,
Zoro the Love Bandit, pig landscape, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Zoro the Love Bandit
Zoro the Party Pig is back at it stealing a little love.10x8 oil on canvas mounted on hardboard ready to frame.

Delilah Smith, Michigan Oil Painter, USA

Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 10 in (20.3 cm X 25.4 cm)
Price: $200 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $200 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email




Did you know that Valentine’s Day didn’t start as a day of love -but with an execution? The good Saint Valentine got his head cut off under the order Claudius II on February 14th, 270. St. Valentine left a note for the jailer’s daughter and signed it “From Your Valentine”.

Did you know Cupid was a Mythological Cad? He left his wife and the ‘other woman’ put a curse on her and she fell into a coma.

February 14th is also the anniversary of Chicago’s 1929 gangland hit famously known as Valentine’s Day Massacre.
History of Valentine's Day
Saint Valentine was said to have demonstrated courage and valor in helping Christian martyrs being persecuted under Emperor Claudius II in Rome, during a time when giving any kind of aid to Christians was considered a crime. Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned for this crime. He was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs, stoned and finally beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. After his death, this gate was known as Porta Valentini, later being renamed Porta Popolo.
There is a legend that says while awaiting his execution, he befriended his jailer's blind daughter whose sight he restored to her. According to Alfonso Villiegas, in his book "Lives of Saints" the jailer was Asterios, one of the Emperor's lieutenants. He and his family were converted to Christianity by St. Valentine, and they were condemned to death by Claudius II. Furthermore, according to legend, on the eve of Valentinus' death, he wrote a farewell message to the jailer's daughter and signed it. This is how Valentines Day evolved.



This weeks Aceo are pictured below they are available at my ebay store Please click the link tohere.



" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Time for Reflection



This time of year is one of reflection and contemplation.
We are nearing the end of 2009 and one of the most important (and profitable) investments you can make is to review the past few months very, very carefully.
Review what work what didn't as questions. Why do I paint what I do? Why should anybody care? How can I make it more powerful?
It is a time to be grateful for the blessing of the previous year. It is a time to look forward to a bright new year. It is a season of joy and peace.




I delight in this season.








" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas


I've been getting a wonderful Newsletter from Dr Philip Humbert, a great success coach and motivational speaker.
Every week he sends one of the best newsletters around, one of the few I actually read. It has a warm, personal touch with motivation, great business tips, quotes and even some nice humor!
This month he's giving away a FREE report called "The Top 10 Tools for Maximum Personal Productivity." It's amazing how these simple skills help you get more done! I love it! The report breaks it down to a checklist of fundamentals for being more productive and best of all, it's FREE!
I found it helpful an d thought you would enjoy it, too. Get your copy at: http://philiphumbert.com/Free




" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Marshmallows for the Holidays



Marshmallows are so yummy and they are great with Cocoa and you know what they are easy to make. For fun you can dip them in Chocolate or add flavors :vanilla, almond, peppermint, cherry or raspberry extract. Color them Green and Red for Christmas .
I always use bags of marshmallows as packing to protect my Christmas gifts in shipping and are a nice treat to eat when you open the box.I put some instant Cocoa in the package too. That is a green way to ship anywhere in the world and so yummy. You’re almost guaranteed that no one else will ship them a Christmas gift packed in Marshmallows.
But if you really want to get creative and as artist don't we always well WOW! them with marshmallows you have made. It's so easy even an Elf could do it.

Smitten Kitchen
Springy, Fluffy Marshmallows
Adapted from Gourmet, December 1998

These homemade marshmallows are not only easy to make, they set as perfectly as promised: puffed and lightweight, bouncing off one another as I tossed them in the container. Even better, they toasted like a campfire charm speared on the end of a skewer, and s’mooshed between two graham crackers with a square of chocolate.

Makes about 96 1-inch cubed marshmallows

About 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 1/2 envelopes (2 tablespoons plus 2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water, divided
2 cups granulated sugar (cane sugar worked just fine)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites or reconstituted powdered egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla (alternately: 1/2 of a scraped vanilla bean, 2 teaspoons almond or mint extract or maybe even some food coloring for tinting)

Oil bottom and sides of a 13- by 9- by 2-inch rectangular metal baking pan and dust bottom and sides with some confectioners’ sugar.

In bowl of a standing electric mixer or in a large bowl sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold cold water, and let stand to soften.

In a 3-quart heavy saucepan cook granulated sugar, corn syrup, second 1/2 cup of cold water, and salt over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to moderate and boil mixture, without stirring, until a candy or digital thermometer registers 240°F, about 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat and pour sugar mixture over gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin is dissolved.

With standing or a hand-held electric mixer beat mixture on high speed until white, thick, and nearly tripled in volume, about six minutes if using standing mixer or about 10 minutes if using hand-held mixer. (Some reviewers felt this took even longer with a hand mixer, but still eventually whipped up nicely.)

In separate medium bowl with cleaned beaters beat egg whites (or reconstituted powdered whites) until they just hold stiff peaks. Beat whites and vanilla (or your choice of flavoring) into sugar mixture until just combined. Pour mixture into baking pan and don’t fret if you don’t get it all out (learning from my mess of a first round). Sift 1/4 cup confectioners sugar evenly over top. Chill marshmallow, uncovered, until firm, at least three hours, and up to one day.

Run a thin knife around edges of pan and invert pan onto a large cutting board. Lifting up one corner of inverted pan, with fingers loosen marshmallow and ease onto cutting board. With a large knife trim edges of marshmallow and cut marshmallow into roughly one-inch cubes. (An oiled pizza cutter works well here too.) Sift remaining confectioners’ sugar back into your now-empty baking pan, and roll the marshmallows through it, on all six sides, before shaking off the excess and packing them away.

Do ahead: Marshmallows keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 week.



" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas is Special

A Raggity Ann Christmas

Christmas is special to most of us.



As a child, making the trip into town for the holiday shopping with my parents was an adventure of lights and store fronts. In those days trips to town were rare. The streets were decorated in lights and all kinds of Christmas finery; it was a child’s adventure.


Today every house has a yard full of Christmas plastic stuff, but then only Christmas trees were in most homes and sometimes a wreath on a door. These were the days before the big box stores; a day when shop keepers decorated their stores with all kinds of wonderful joys to trigger the imaginations and dreams of children. Down towns were alive.


There were times in my childhood when money was tight; as it is now for many families. Daddy and Mom would make our gifts. I wonder are artist the only ones who still make gifts. I remember one Christmas when the dollies we saw and wanted could not be purchased. Daddy made a cradle for the one we had and Mom sewed new clothes for our dolls and a bed spread for the cradle. We were so excited Christmas morning with all the new things for our dollies; there was no disappointment, we loved our gifts. We had had our dreams of new toys but loved the things we had gotten just as much, because wanting was as much fun as getting.


Maybe someday when I grow up I will no longer need Christmas. For now I still live in the dreams of Christmas past, Christmas now and all the Christmas’ in the future when wanting is as important as getting.



It is the dream that is important.
As artist we are the dreamers we live in the Christmas of our soul and like Santa we create.

Best Friends,rag doll toys
Best Friends,rag doll toys, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Best Friends
8x10
oil on canvas mounted on hardboard

Media: oil
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $150 USD


How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $150 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email


Santas Helper, cat christmas oil painting toys doll
Santas Helper, cat christmas oil painting toys doll, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Santas Helper
16x29 oil on gallery wrapped stretched canvas with painted sides. The back is wired and it may be hung as is or dress it up with a frame.
BUY IT NOW

Media: oil
Size: 20 in X 16 in (50.8 cm X 40.6 cm)
Price: $640 USD


How to Purchase:
click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email








" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Sunday, November 22, 2009

A Celebration of Thanks

Most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this week, and wherever you are and whatever your family traditions, here’s a reminder to practice gratitude.

I will be traveling this week. A trip to Las Vegas to see the shows. I love to travel. Why I travel as an artist: travel gives me unforgettable memories, I meet the most interesting people, and I see so much that I want to paint, it refreshes me. I take pictures of everything for references to paint later.

I have gotten to the point when I travel that I just take watercolors, watercolor pencils,pencils, eraser and a sketch book with me when I fly. It seems to be the easiest thing to do. It's not easy to travel as an artist any more and I like to travel as light as I can.

This trip I will be taking pencil and camera only. What happens in Vegas, won't stay in Vegas so I will post some of the sketches when I get back. Until then have a wonderful holiday with family and friends and be thankful.

Airport Travlers Reagan National Airport
Airport Travlers Reagan National Airport, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Airport Travlers
6x8
oil on canvas mounted on hardboard

Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email




" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween 2009




The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints.

But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en),


The Gauls claim all to be descended from Father Dis [a god of death, darkness and the underworld], declaring that this is the tradition preserved by the Druids. For this reason they measure periods of time not by days but by nights; and in celebrating birthdays, the first of the month, and new year’s day, they go on the principle that the day begins at night.


Some other names are also associated with the Celtic New Year:
The Third Harvest
All Hollows Eve
The Day of the Dead



And the famous Halloweens Day.

The Celtic Druids eventually came to be viewed as witches, and the subsequent witch craze led to the horrific murders of vast numbers of women, men, and animals, particularly nocturnal animals, with cats most frequently targeted. It was believed that witches could shapeshift, and that they would most often take the form of cats, which were believed to be their familiars. In some cases cats were thought to be reincarnated witches as well.


The widespread slaughter of cats during this time contributed to the human death toll from the black plague, as cats had kept the population of rats that carried plague-bearing fleas under control.
Okay what about all those good treats?



The tradition of trick-or-treating dates back to the early All Soul’s Day in England, during which poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called “soul cakes” in return for their promise to pray for the family’s dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits



I love Halloween. The costumes, the candy, the parties, and the memories. Thinking back I don't know which I enjoyed more: the costumes or the trick-or-treats.







I'm still a kid at heart. The lure of the spooky whether I am doing the monster mash or drinking Bloody Mary's with the undead.






Have a very scary Halloween







Monday, October 26, 2009

Trick or Treat

Trick or treat
The history of "Trick'O'Treating" can be traced back to the early celebrations of All Soul's Day in Britain .
The poor would go begging and the housewives would give them special treats called "soulcakes". This was called "going a-souling", and the "soulers" would promise to say a prayer for the dead.
Over time the custom changed and the town's children became the beggars. As they went from house to house they would be given apples, buns, and money.

With the economy being down some artist feel like beggars. It is important to look successful when you are in business for your self. Who wants to talk to a down and out artist? It is just more fun to dress well and drive a killer car. Mine is a bright red convertible. So treat yourself to a little something whether you are an artist or a collector it will put a nice spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Fall Harvest, pumpkin squash,flowers,still life
Fall Harvest, pumpkin squash,flowers,still life, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
Fall Harvest
6x8 oil on canvas mounted on panel (RayMar)


Media: oil
Size: 8 in X 6 in (20.3 cm X 15.2 cm)
Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email



" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Top of the Mornin to Ya! Luck of the Irish

Luck of the Irish
I am half Irish and felt so lucky to go to Ireland this summer. It rained every day but one in the weeks we were there. I understand that is the way the weather has been for last few years.
So with good measure of Irish Blood I felt right at home in the mist. My Grand mother used to remind me we came from sturdy Irish Peasants and to be proud of it.


Irish mist covers the country side. The rain is really a soft mist, not the hard pounding kind you get in Michigan. It makes a hazy look to the greens of the country side.


A vine cover castle from around 600 AD. It is so strange to see things so old.







One of the many rings of stones found in Ireland.
I kept my rain coat and hat on and had no problem seeing all the sights.

Yes these Palm trees are from the south of Ireland. Ireland is full of flowers and green but the palm trees were a surprise to me. Ireland is further north then Michigan but they do not get snow.

The Irish Flag waves High
Of course no trip to Ireland is complete with out a taste of Guiness!

Here is a smiling Irish eyes to you. Happy St Patricks Day!


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Beware of the Ides of March




"Beware the Ides of March!"


I've loved that line since reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October.


In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC, the story of which was famously dramatized in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.This warning was given to Caesar before his "friends" assassinate him has always seemed like a such cool line, and I only get to use it once a year. So, on the Ides of March, "beware!"


Or more importantly, have some fun with a great quote from Shakespeare, then get on to other, more interesting things.



Home Page Art by Delilah = http://artbydelilah.com

Monday, February 09, 2009

Valentines Day


Valentine's Day is next Saturday! Candy, flowers,dinner, wine ,gifts of gold; okay maybe no gold.
Fortunately, there's time to take action!
Valentines Day is on Saturday, all sorts of possibilities open up and there are no excuses! Send the kids to the grandparents, make the reservations, buy the flowers, write the card (don't buy one, create one!) and most of all, have fun! Yes this year I will make my sweetie a fun little card!
I happen to think the relationship with your spouse or "significant other" is vital to all types of success and happiness in life, but at the very least, I hope you'll agree it's a tremendous source of fun!
Tell them how much you care and make sure your actions match your words. You don't need a special day to do this but Valentines day is always a good place to start if you haven't done it lately.Start right now.
Enjoy!
Secondly, shower the same kind of love and thoughtfulness on yourself! Winners know that empowering themselves is the source of all success, so they do the things that enrich their lives and lead to success. Be a winner and love yourself.
Let the "LOVE FLOW", after all it's Valentines day.
"Don't wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself." -- Sara Henderson
Have Great Valentines Day Everyday!

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://artbydelilah.com

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Vegetables for Valentine


A romantic Vegetable painting filled with love for vegetables.With Valentines day just a few days away I am painting vegetables for Valentines day.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death


Home Page Art by Delilah = http://artbydelilah.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

12 Drummers Drumming

12 Drummers Drumming
12 Drummers Drumming, painting by Delilah Smith

About This Painting:
The ‘twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles’ Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.


Media: oil
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $100 USD
How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The Twelve days of Christmas


One partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy.
Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
From here on, the order is different from the original song!
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
I am currently painting a painting for each of the 12 days of Christmas they can be seen as they are completed on my painting of the day blog.



Home Page Art by Delilah = http://artbydelilah.com