30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 23

​"Herbert" - acrylic on reclaimed wood, 6" x 18" x 1".  Ready for hanging.  Click here to purchase this piece on Artfinder.

It's fall.  The official beginning of the season of sweaters, bonfires, football games, falling leaves, long pants and socks.  Unless you live in Florida.  In that case, fall is the beginning of ocean breezes, warmth and sunshine, shorts, sandals and sunscreen. Oh!  Wait!  That's also winter, spring and summer down here!

Fall is the beginning of the holiday season.  Like it or not, Halloween decorations have been out since August, and Christmas decorations will be out before Halloween is over.  Retailers are stocking their holiday inventory, and artists everywhere are scrambling to work on their own season business offerings and plethora of shows, festivals and art sales.

So it's 90 degrees outside, the sun is shining bright, my toes are wiggling bare and free in my sandals and I am painting a reindeer.

In all fairness to Herbert, I am a fan of all horned creatures with soft muzzles and soulful eyes.  I don't need a holiday event to want to paint a reindeer.  They are especially quirky, and sometimes comical looking.  Some have antlers growing right down the middle of their foreheads.    Perhaps, when we're tired of feeding ducks, we could install a herd of reindeer in the back yard by the lake.  Then I would have live models and endless entertainment!  And a big pile of poo, of course.

Now I am truly wondering...how many of you lovely readers hold the reindeer to be your animal totem or animal spirit guide?  Coolest spirit animal of all, right?  How many have reindeer tattoos?  How many are running out to get one now?  Well let's learn a bit about what wisdom the reindeer holds.

The reindeer reminds you to stay on track with your goals.  Stick to your own plan and don't sidestep for the whims and dramas of others.  Trust your own instincts.  The reindeer gives you protection while traveling, endurance to go long distances and the tenacity to get things done even when it isn't easy.  When a reindeer appears in your life, it might mean it is time to step up and care for the herd, to guide them in the best direction.  The key role of reindeer energy is guidance - for yourself and for others.

Nowhere is a red nose mentioned in any of my research on this magnificent beast, but ironically, Rudolph was a guide for Santa's sleigh, and the message of the reindeer is guidance.  Now I just love it when the universe adds whimsy to wisdom like that. :)