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Happy Holidays!



Nature's Hope
watercolor on paper
26 cm x 18 cm 

Legend has it if you hang a red Cardinal on your Christmas tree it will bring good luck to you and your family throughout the year. I have a few on mine... and on a wreath, I can always use "extra" luck. It is my favorite bird. What I love the most is how it cheers up a cold wintry day even once the holidays are past.

As always the month of December just flies by. I can't believe Christmas is already next week: as usual, I still have lots to do. I promise myself every year to be more organized. I wish all of you peaceful and happy Holidays!


-thank you to Paint My Photo for providing the photo reference
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Comments

  1. Tito18 December 2013 at 10:44

    Wow, proprio bello il tuo cardinale Celia. I miei più cari auguri a te e ai tuoi cari per un Felice Natale ed un Favoloso 2014!! Un abbraccio.

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    1. Celia Blanco19 December 2013 at 07:22

      Ti ringrazio Tito! Tanti affettuosi auguri anche a te!

      Delete
  2. Olivier Violin18 December 2013 at 11:01

    Bravo Celia, c'est magnifique!
    Je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël.

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    1. Celia Blanco19 December 2013 at 07:26

      Merci beaucoup Olivier! Joyeux Noël à toi aussi.

      Delete
  3. Judy18 December 2013 at 12:21

    What a wonderful bird, Celia, I have never seen one in real life and I did not know the legend. I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

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    1. Celia Blanco19 December 2013 at 09:05

      They are common birds to North America but not in Europe,they remind me of home especially around the holidays. Thank you for your good wishes Judy!

      Delete
  4. Debi Hinshaw18 December 2013 at 13:16

    Wow, your cardinal painting is wonderful Celia!!
    They are such lovely cheerful birds...seeing one does brighten up a dreary winter scene! Merry Christmas to you!!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco19 December 2013 at 09:06

      Thank you for your nice comment and good wishes Debi!

      Delete
  5. Helen H Trachy18 December 2013 at 14:15

    Hi Celia, Best wishes to you! I believe everyone should have one of these beautiful birds on a tree nearby...,I do. Just saw him a few minutes ago. :) Big hugs and a Crafty New Year!

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    1. Celia Blanco19 December 2013 at 09:07

      I'm glad you agree Helen and how lucky for you! Best wishes and hugs to you!

      Delete
  6. Lorraine Brown18 December 2013 at 21:09

    Wish I could see a Red Cardinal in the real Celia, I'll settle for your lovely painted one. Have a fantastic Christmas x

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  7. Jane19 December 2013 at 00:10

    I really wish I had a Red Cardinal to hang on my Christmas tree :-) Your painting is so awesome , love how you depicted the bird in the snowy surroundings . Wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year . xx

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    1. Celia Blanco27 December 2013 at 08:50

      Thank you for your good wishes Jane! A BIG hug to you!:-)

      Delete
  8. art by Michael Perchard19 December 2013 at 00:43

    Hello Celia!
    Love the red cardinal! You did a wonderful job! Perfecto!
    I have a cardinal family living in the woods behind my house!
    Love to see the male and the female perched on a snow covered evergreen!
    Happy Painting and Happy Holidays to you also!
    Michael

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    1. Celia Blanco27 December 2013 at 08:51

      Thank you Michael! I love bird watching, you are lucky to have them nearby. I hope you are enjoying your holidays!

      Delete
  9. Joan Tavolott19 December 2013 at 02:52

    Beautiful job on the cardinal! I didn't realize they mean luck. I'll have to find one to put on my tree. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  10. Wendy Barrett19 December 2013 at 14:55

    Oh I love it Celia! You have painted the bird so beautifully! I have become very enamoured of these birds since seeing so many on the various painting blogs. I hope to see one in the flesh/feather one of these years.
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

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  11. Debbie Nolan19 December 2013 at 21:17

    Celia - love your cardinal. I had never heard that legend before. The cardinal in Ohio is our state bird. They make a very bright show in our winter landscape. Haven't seen as many this year - hope they are visiting you! Have a very Merry Christmas friend and may your season be filled with hope peace and love!

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    1. Celia Blanco27 December 2013 at 08:56

      Thank you Debbie! How nice to have them as your state bird, hope you get many visits from them!

      Delete
  12. Sergio DS20 December 2013 at 12:24

    Happy Holidays and Happy Christmas!
    :)

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  13. Laura21 December 2013 at 17:49

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Celia. xx

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  14. Laura Leeder22 December 2013 at 15:14

    Love this cardinal painting Celia! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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  15. Catharina Engberg25 December 2013 at 00:45

    Very pretty bird! Wish you a merry christmas!

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  16. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com27 December 2013 at 01:13

    Hi Celia - I was shocked when I saw my comment was missing.I must not have done something right.
    I remember so well letting you know I loved the Cardinal. In Britain we always used the robin with its red breast for the Season. Red is the lucky part right?
    Wishing you much joy, good health and peaceful days in 2014.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco27 December 2013 at 08:58

      Thank you Julie! I appreciate your kind comment and good wishes!

      Delete
  17. laura27 December 2013 at 14:01

    Gorgeous, Celia. The drawing is perfect, and all the reds are luscious. Best wishes for 2014.

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    1. Celia Blanco27 December 2013 at 23:43

      Means so much Laura! Thank you!

      Delete
    2. laura31 December 2013 at 18:06

      I neglected to say last time how much I like the background too ...

      Delete
    3. Celia Blanco1 January 2014 at 02:22

      It means a lot to me to have your feedback! Thank you for coming back to let me know! :-)

      Delete
  18. hmuxo28 December 2013 at 23:31

    You painted this cardinal beautifully, Celia! I didn't know about how it brings you luck...next year I will have a Cardinal on my tree!!! Happy New Year to you and your family! I will look forward to your paintings in the New Year.

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    1. Celia Blanco30 December 2013 at 23:53

      Thank you Hilda! I wish you the same and look forward to your beautiful portraits!

      Delete
  19. Corinne H.29 December 2013 at 22:09

    Un seul mot SUPERBE !

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  20. Unknown31 December 2013 at 02:33

    How did I miss this beautiful cardinal last week? It's wonderful Celia! The colors are so vibrant and so true to what those birds look like outside on a winter day, except that you painted it with such a magical quality, the way we want to see it. :) I like the way you do that with your subjects. Happy New Year, I hope a cardinal alights on your windowsill and brings you all kinds of good luck and joy and happiness in 2014!

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco1 January 2014 at 02:23

      You just made my day Katherine, thank you so much for your kind words!

      Delete

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