Angela Sasser's profile

Spirits of Winter - Yearly Holiday Paintings

Watch a video of the creation of the painting "The Gift Giver".
It all began back in 2006 when I was feeling very down about not being able to afford much to give to the people I love.  I had a piece of cardstock, color pencils, and not much else to my name.  The first painting was finished and sent out on post cards to my dear ones.  
 
The reaction was heartwarming!  Every time I visited them, I'd spy the card or painting posted lovingly in their collections.  I didn't think such a little thing would bring so much happiness, but I'm glad that they did!
 
My family and friends have been collectors of every Christmas piece since!  This is now one of my favorite yearly traditions.  Keep a watch here because I'll be adding an image to this series every year that I am able to!
"Angel of Noel", 8.5x11 inches, color pencil on metallic cardstock.
 
The drawing that started it all!  Christmas 2006
Friends gather around a warm fire while just beyond the bounds of their safe walls, the cold of winter turns the world to gray. But where the spirit thrives, there will forever be warmth.

May your holidays be filled with joy and happiness.
"Holiday Nouveau", 9x12 inches, watercolor and ink.
 
Christmas 2007
It shouldn't be just one day that we celebrate the bonds between loved ones, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded by that special time of the year. This one is for all of you friends, family, and watchers who've given me such love and support. It really keeps an artist going.
"Advent Angel", 9x12 inches, watercolor, color pencil, and ink.
 
Christmas 2008
I'd like to dedicate this image to my mother, a lovely inspiring soul who has been there for me at the best and worst of times. She is an avid lover of Turquoise, the December birthstone, and I channeled quite a lot of her giving and kindness through this.
 
Turquoise is a stone of healing, purification, and communication. Just as white narcissus, holly, and poinsettia symbolize innocence, everlasting life, and hope. The crown on her head symbolizes Saint Lucia, who gave hope to the suffering during a time of darkness.
 
May the Angel of December light your darkest hours with bright blessings.
"December's Window", 5x7 inches, watercolor and ink.
 
Christmas 2009
Every year since 2006 I've created an image especially for the holidays. This is my gift to all my friends, family, and followers who have been so kind in their encouragement and support of me as an artist and as a person.
 
No matter where our wanderings through the grey winters take us, a portal of grace and the warmth of light will always be there to guide us home.
"Lady Snowflake", 11x14 inches, watercolor, ink, and silver leafing.
 
Christmas 2010
Snowflakes float gently downwards on the winds of a winter night. Silence creeps within us, a quiet made gray and peaceful by blankets of white. A world sleeps in frozen beauty all its own.

Behold Winter and find solace in her pale dreaming.
"The Gift Giver", digital painting.
 
Christmas 2011
Tis the season where flickering lights shine in the dark, the promise of presents bring us secret smiles, and sugarplum faeries dance through our imaginations. The Spirit of Giving descends, reminding us of happiness found in unexpected places.
"Lady of December", digital painting.
 
Christmas 2012
If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.
- Harriett Bishop
"Winter Light", watercolor and ink painting.
 
Christmas 2013
She is the quiet flame of hope, the guardian of the thin light that survives in the coldest Winter.  Even when cold white blankets all that we know, we can always take comfort in the knowledge that the light will return.
Christmas 2014. "Christmas Angel" , watercolor and ink with a hint of white gel pen on 8.5x14 inch illustration board.
 
 
"Winter Offering", ink and watercolor on illustration. 
 
Christmas 2015
In the dark of winter, we offer our humble light and find hope in the evergreen holly and pine.  Spring awaits, but for now, we are blessed by stars and their promise of hope and guidance.
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Spirits of Winter - Yearly Holiday Paintings
Published:

Spirits of Winter - Yearly Holiday Paintings

A personal project involving a yearly image created to celebrate Christmas with heavy influence from the Art Nouveau movement.

Published: