My New Christmas Robin

Christmas Robin, digital oil painting

Today I'm talking red robins!

Commonly regarded as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Spiritually they are seen as guides, teaching us to explore change with joy and 'a song in our hearts', moving forwards with grace, patience and strength.

On an everyday level, whenever I see one, I can't help but smile!

What better little bird to see in the end of a year, and look forward to the start of a new one!

Last year I eye-spied a beautiful little hollow cast toy Robin, produced by Britains, pre world war II, as part of their 'Christmas novelties' series.

The particular wear and tear of this robin gave it a wonderful energy and sense of character which I wanted to try and capture in a painting.

Some of you may remember my first attempt from last year, when I was still getting the feel for digital painting.

Like my earlier Penguin post, I felt I could do better, so I had another go last month and am now pleased to present my new Christmas Robin to you all!

A Magic Mini Merry Christmas

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It all began with a dialogue I had a couple of months ago with a wonderful group of Dinky toy car enthusiasts on Facebook, which inspired me to create a 'Dinky themed' Christmas painting.

Initial suggestions and searches brought the Dinky 485 "Merry Christmas" Ford T Model to my attention. Whilst undoubtedly Christmassy in theme, for some strange reason I just couldn’t connect with it on an aesthetic level so I went looking for something more quirky!

Cue 'Stripey,' Dinky’s magic mini (model no.107), produced for a short 2 year window between 1967-69, based on the 183 Morris Mini Minor (first produced in 1966). With such a short production run it is now one of the rarest and most expensive Dinky cars to find today.

It also has an eccentric backstory, featuring in a series of rather bazaar comics/ books called Candy & Andy created by Gerry Anderson (of ‘Thunderbirds’ & ‘Captain Scarlett’ fame). Candy & Andy were children (made of plastic) who lived with two panda bears called Mr & Mrs. Bearanda. Their main activity was to drive around in this magic mini, helping people with various things - so all in keeping with a sense of Christmas spirit!

Backstory aside, I’m a big fan of the mini in general, there is something so personable about its shape and size. So finding this jazzy version of it, instantly appealed … it is a car that seems to sing celebrations, and what better occasion than Christmas!

🔔You come and get a closer look at this painting on Saturday at

⚡The famous Sandown Park Toy Fair,13th November, 10.30am-3pm! ⚡

I will be sharing more details about this shortly, so keep an eye out!

Penguin Story

So this is a little story about when you've painted something once and it keeps calling you back until you paint it again.

And yes, I do have a bit of a perfectionist issue which means if I think I can do something better it will keep niggling me until I give it another go.

My first attempt at this penguin, around 2013, was a quick oil on canvas board sketch, done in the lead up to Christmas. My second attempt was last month, painted in digital oil paints and was generally a slower, more considered exploration of the subject.

Not entirely dissimilar to rereading a favourite book, there are always new things you notice and understand when revisiting a subject. The passage of time and experience inevitably influences the way you see it and interpret it.

It just goes to show that even familiar things are never beyond the journey of rediscovery and new revelations.

Also...

If you are curious to explore this penguin in person, I am happy to report that I will be showcasing him at the famous Sandown Park Toy Fair next Saturday 13th November, 10.30am-3pm so if you're free, put it in the diary!

I will be sharing more info about this next week, so keep your eyes peeled!

For now wishing everyone a super Friday!