Joe's Having Too Much Fun!

Here is a special holiday post from "Cheap" Joe Miller!

I love watercolor, I've been painting in this medium for years. Through these years, I've played with acrylic, oils, gouache and other mediums. Lately, I've painted mostly in acrylics. And, I've changed what I am painting, as well.

I've been painting on the Cheap Joe's 36" x 36" Prime Canvas, three of them, so I have a triptych, I think. I'm having so much fun! I will put something down, like it, then, come back later, and not like it, and take it out. There must be six or eight layers of paint on my canvas.

I want the three panels to tell a story about the Christmas Tree farms we have here in the mountains of North Carolina.

I really enjoyed these beautiful paintings of Joe's. They are so full of color and are a wonderful example of American Folk Art. You can really picture yourself right in the middle of the story. (Click on each of the images to appreciate the wonderful detail Joe has included in each of the three paintings.) Oh, you better bundle up, as it looks to be very cold outside! Some of the trees are still holding on to their Fall color, but the ground is white with the Winter's first snow and a chill is in the air. The farmers are harvesting many trees to transport them off the mountain to sell on the Christmas tree lots. They will be shipped all over the U.S. Many families will make a special trip to the mountains and pick out their own special tree right on the Choose and Cut farm. It is a difficult choice as there are acres and acres of prime trees to choose from. But, you will recognize it when you find it, the Perfect Christmas Tree. It will be cut and trimmed and bundled up with twine and tied to the top of the car.  The family will travel the highways, like so many more, back home. Then, they will unpack the tree and invite everyone to select their favorite ornaments and place them, one by one, on their perfect North Carolina Christmas tree. With presents placed safely underneath the branches, the family will gather around the tree on Christmas morning and celebrate the holiday together, once again. This wonderful family tradition is shared by many at this time of year making more and more memories to enjoy for years to come. We are truly blessed to live in an area that offers such a wonderful service to families everywhere. To be a part of so many Christmases, all over, brings a feeling of warmth and purpose to the tree farmers in our area. All because of a tree, that started as a seed and become a family tradition. We hope this time of year is joyous and happily spent with the ones you love; celebrating with your family and friends around your Christmas tree. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! from Joe and the Cheap Joe's Gang!