The artist at work. Personalizing a leatherbound journal.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Partridge In A Pear Tree


There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled a lot of people. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge in the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Here is one version. Perhaps it is true, perhaps not.


For almost 300 years, from 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to openly practice their faith. During this era, the carol, Twelve Days of Christmas, was written as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning that was known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol was a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recall the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stands for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolizes the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and wanted to share it with you. Now we know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

NEW PAGE ADDED FOR SHAMAN & GRINNING COCOONS


Just click the link on the right side of the page
under the Items for Sale art
to view the new page of my Shamans.



Monday, October 17, 2011

OWL FRAKTUR WATERCOLOR

THIS IS AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR FRAKTUR PAINTING
DONE ON THE INSIDE OF A BOOK COVER.

This fraktur is hand drawn in ink and then water colored on an old book cover.
The size is a approximately 9 inches by 12 inches.

SOLD


FREE SHIPPING if ordered before NOVEMBER 1st.
Just contact me at my email address.
kenscottart@att.net to purchase.

The left edge of the painting is cropped off in this photo.

PURPLE BIRD FRAKTUR
ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR FRAKTUR PAINTING




This fraktur is hand drawn in ink and then water colored on antique paper, over a hundred years old.
Mounted on black.
The size is a approximately 8 inches by 10 inches.
SOLD 
Unframed.

Just contact me at my email address. kenscottart@att.net to purchase.

ANOTHER GREAT VINTAGE TIN WATERCOLOUR SET

CYANA 
TOBACCO TIN 
 WATERCOLOUR SET.
SOLD!



OTHER TINS ARE AVAILABLE. EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS.

Contact me at my email address:
kenscottart@att.net 
if you are interested in having me make you a set similar to the ones you see here.

PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN DESIGN ELEMENTS WORKSHOP

Just completed the 
PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN DESIGN ELEMENTS
workshop at Conner Prairie. 
This workshop covers the use of design elements that were in use during the 18th & 19th century ( 1730 to 1840). During the the workshop I discuss the common flower and bird motifs as well as mermaids, angels, fylfots, hex signs along with the artists and school teachers who practiced the craft that has become known as  fraktur. Under my guidance, participants have ample time to practice this form of calligraphy and to develop their own fraktur drawings.


 
This fraktur was completed as a sample for the workshop

Close-up of sample

Saturday, September 24, 2011

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT T.C. STEEL STATE HISTORIC SITE

It certainly was an interesting experience to be
Artist in Residence at such an historic place.

T. C. Steele is the father of Hoosier impressionism. 
His home is a lovely place. The gardens, although not in full bloom this time of the year,
are wonderful to experience.

Virginia's favorite place was the lilly pond and its beautiful water lillys.






 




 

During the time of the Residency, I held two workshops on 
"How to Develop your Own Personal Journal sketchbook."

Among the historical journalists the participants reviewed were
Lewis & Clark, John Muir and John James Audubon. 
We also looked at the journals of Nature journalists, Ernest Thomspn Seton, 
Cathy Johnson and Virginia Scott as well as Peter Beard.



Two participants showing off their journals.

Another happy group of  journal workshop participants.

Me instructing how to do a title page.
 

Here are a couple of nature drawings that I did during my stay.



Friday, June 17, 2011

I have been named one of the top traditional craftsmen in America

 Early American Life magazine selected me
as one of the top 200 Traditional craftsmen
in America for my fraktur paintings and leather work.
HERE IS A NEWS RELEASE
ON MY BEING NAMED A TOP CRAFTSMAN

Ken Scott selected as one of the top
200 traditional craftsmen in America 
by Early American Life Magazine.

Judges expert in museum-quality antiques
and fine, high-end reproductions recognize 
Scott’s art and craft to be some of the finest available.

Scott’s work was named in two categories,
Leather and Painted, Framed art.

The Directory of Traditional American Crafts is an honor bestowed on a handful of artisans who work in traditional media, styles, and crafts. This is the second time that he has been named one of the Top 200 Traditional Craftsmen in America by the magazine. The directory is also a buying guide, presenting a selection of the best historically informed handwork in America. His work can be seen in the August, 2011, issue.

An artist who has been selected for the Directory has had his or her work thoroughly evaluated by a panel of experts. Scott’s craft was selected from among hundreds of entries nationwide. His leather hunting pouches and American frontier fraktur paintings were rated for their quality workmanship, fidelity to period design and construction techniques by judges expert in museum-quality antiques and fine, high-end reproductions. Because Directory artists so accurately replicate the styles and techniques of historic work, they might be mistaken for antiques. To assure this high-quality work is appreciated for the true quality of its modern craftsmanship, the Directory requires all work to be hallmarked.

Scott’s work is well recognized and is owned by collectors and historical reenactors around the world. He made the shooting bag for Billie Bob Thornton (Davey Crockett) for the movie, The Alamo, as well as provided some other props that were used in the movie. Scott’s work has also been featured in videos, tv documentaries and numerous times in magazines and on their covers—Muzzle Blasts, Muzzleloader, as well as in the Dixie Gunworks Black Powder Annual and The Book of Buckskinning. 

Scott’s work can be seen on his website as well as his blogs.
Website: www.kenscottpouches.com
Blog: www.kenscottpouches.blogspot.com
Blog: www.americanfrontierart.blogspot.com

Also search: 
Google/Images for Ken Scott Pouches
Google/Images for Ken Scott Fraktur

Scott can be reached by email at: kenscottart@att.net


Monday, June 13, 2011

TURKEY HUNTER FRAKTUR PAINTING




As you can see, turkeys and the turkey hunter are some of my favorite subject to paint.
I really enjoy painting flora and fauna.

Turkey Hunter
Watercolor, Ink & Pencil
Approx. 11" x 15.5" unframed
SOLD

Monday, June 6, 2011

NEW! GREAT BLUE HERON FRAKTUR PAINTING

GREAT BLUE HERON
WATERCOLOR FRAKTUR PAINTING
SOLD

This fraktur is OF A GREAT BLUE HERON hand drawn
in ink and then water colored on an old book cover. Heron is wading in a stream near the bank.
Willow tree is nearby. Moon & stars in the sky.
Size approximately 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Unframed.
SOLD

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Vintage Lipton Tea TIn Watercolor Set

Another watercolor set made from a vintage tin.
This time, a Lipton Tea tin.
Inside view showing six pans of paint as well as the inside of the tin.
Items needed for painting.
Brushes, Dip Pens, Pencils and a glass water dropper.
SOLD

Friday, May 20, 2011

Shootin' Crowes

LIMITED EDITION FOLK ART PRINT. 
SHOOTIN’ CROWES. 
This painting shows a colonial landowner and his plight of keeping the crows from destroying his crops. He knows that if his crops are destroyed, he may go hungry this winter. He has caught the crows nesting in a nearby woods and is taking his toll on the predators. I hand tint each of these prints with water color, thereby creating an original work of art. Limited to 50 signed and numbered prints. Size approximately 8.5" x 11". A certificate of authenticity accompanies each limited edition print and is a valuable document that can enhance the credibility and value of your print. 
Hand colored and unframed $100. 
Note:Please include $10 for shipping, handling and insurance.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

ROOSTER

ROOSTER
WATERCOLOR FRAKTUR PAINTING
SOLD

ROOSTER
ink and watercolor
Approx. 9" x 11"
Painted on the inside of an old book cover.
SOLD

Friday, May 6, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO NATURALLY INSPIRED PAINT OUT

Each spring, the Indianapolis Zoo selects a group of artists to paint “en plein air” (outdoors) interpreting their vision of the Zoo and Gardens. This year, I was fortunate to be one of the artists chosen. All of the artwork will be on display in the Schaefer Rotunda at White River Gardens for the summer, June 1-August 24.
On August 25, you are invited to attend a silent auction and artist’s reception at the White River Gardens. Reservations for the auction are required.  Please call (317) 630-2046 to save your spot at this event where you can meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments and bid on some fabulous artwork!  All proceeds benefit the Indianapolis Zoo. My apologies for my camera work. These are slightly out of focus.

Most of my work is painted on old book covers that have been up cycled and repurposed to become a painting surface that will continue to help us achieve a green planet. The actual paintings themselves are conceived from a historic view of the way that we see things. Each of my paintings resonates with an historical perspective upon its completion, a look and patina of having been loved and handed down from generation to generation, hinting at ownership  by a long forgotten person. I’ve always been drawn to things that have a history and a story behind them, things that show signs of wear or age. My goal as an artist is to create every item with an historical past with an aged look and feel to it.


THE ARTIST AT WORK

THE TALLEST OF BEASTS

FLOWERS & BIRDS


Saturday, April 23, 2011

Remember the Reason We Celebrate Easter

CELEBRATE!
The Empty Tomb
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone has been removed from the entrance. So she cam running to Simon Peter and he other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first, He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind them and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus has to rise from the dead.) John 20: 1-9

Thursday, April 21, 2011

One of the Earliest Known American Depictions of the Easter Bunny

THE EASTER BUNNY
This drawing is an example of a Pennsylvania German tradition of decorated manuscripts known as fraktur.

Winterthur Museum recently acquired one of the earliest known American depictions of the Easter Bunny. Together with the Christmas tree, the custom of the Easter rabbit and colored eggs was brought to America by immigrants from southwestern Germany in the 1700s, and has become a favorite American tradition. This delightful image is attributed to schoolmaster Johann Conrad Gilbert (1734–1812), who emigrated from Germany in 1757 and ultimately settled in Berks County , Pennsylvania . He likely made the drawing as a gift for one of his students. A similar drawing, also attributed to Gilbert, is in the collection of Colonial Williamsburg.

These drawings are examples of a Pennsylvania German tradition of decorated manuscripts known as fraktur, which include birth and baptismal certificates, family records, writing samples, and bookplates. Lisa Minardi, a fraktur expert and assistant curator of the museum’s current exhibition, Paint, Pattern & People: Furniture of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1725–1850, notes, “The Easter rabbit drawing is one of the rarest of all fraktur, with only two examples known, and is a major addition to Winterthur ’s collection.” “This important acquisition allows Winterthur to document the Germanic beginnings of a beloved American tradition,” adds J. Thomas Savage, Winterthur ’s director of museum affairs.

The drawing will be on view in the museum Galleries starting Thursday, April 21. It will remain on display through the Easter holiday and Mother’s Day, when it will be taken down and treated by the museum’s conservation staff to remove dirt and grime from the paper. Ultimately, it will be placed on long-term view in the museum’s renowned Fraktur Room, where it will join about two dozen other examples of Pennsylvania German fraktur art.
This information is from www.artdaily.org   The first art newspaper of the net.

Great Blue Heron Fraktur

GREAT BLUE HERON FRAKTUR
WATERCOLOR PAINTING
SOLD

GREAT BLUE HERON FRAKTUR
ink and watercolor
Approx. 9" x 11"
Painted on the inside of an old book cover.
SOLD


Sunday, April 10, 2011

COLONIAL BLUE BOX: WATERCOLOUR SET



Watercolour set in Colonial Blue wooden box
SOLD!

 As you know, I really enjoy making  for a vintage watercolor set out of an antique wooden box or vintage tin. This Colonial blue set is one that I recently made up. It is a neat watercolor set. I added four Windsor-Newton / Cotman watercolors to complete the set, a nice brush, pencil and an antique dip pen as well as a handmade dip pen.