Winter series

For this holiday season, I set out to create a winter series that not only featured classic winter animals, but also introduced some unexpected creatures into the mix. By doing so, I hope to spark curiosity and appreciation for the wide range of wildlife that thrives in colder climates.

Building on the drawing style I've been developing since October, I challenged myself to take it a step further by experimenting with backgrounds. By adding depth and dimension to my illustrations, I hoped to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.

Overall, I'm excited to share this winter series with you and hope it brings a sense of joy and wonder to your holiday season.

Polar bear

Polar bears are a winter icon that have been featured in everything from Coca-Cola ads to Christmas decorations. However, I wanted to put my own spin on this beloved animal and draw inspiration from a culture that celebrates the winter solstice and has greatly influenced the way we celebrate Christmas today.

To accomplish this, I turned to the Sami people, who are native to Lapland and have a rich cultural heritage. I was particularly drawn to their traditional clothing, which features intricate tiemblan shapes and vibrant colors. Using these elements as my guide, I created my own version of Sami clothing that would suit a four-legged animal.

By incorporating Sami design elements into my drawing of a polar bear, I hope to pay homage to this incredible culture and spark interest in its traditions. After all, it's important to remember that winter celebrations are not unique to any one culture, and there is beauty and value in exploring the diverse ways in which people honour this season.

Baudet du Poitou

Donkeys are often associated with Christmas due to their appearance in nativity scenes. However, these animals are actually better suited for warm climates, as they were domesticated from the African wild ass. To find a way to make a donkey look more at home in the snow, I decided to draw inspiration from the Baudet du Poitou, a long-haired donkey breed from France.

To create a winter-friendly look for this furry friend, I drew on historical fashion from 18th century France and adapted a waistcoat into a more open, cape-like jacket. By combining elements of traditional French fashion with the unique features of the Baudet du Poitou, I was able to give this donkey a stylish and practical winter outfit.

While this may seem like a small detail, I believe it's important to accurately represent the needs and characteristics of the animals we draw. By taking the time to research and understand the natural habitat and history of the donkey, I was able to create a more thoughtful and interesting piece of art.

Reindeer

Nothing says winter and Christmas more than a Reindeer. Like my polar bear I took the approach of using some of Christmas traditions roots, and chose to use more clothing inspired by Sami. To bring more of the theme of Christmas into this drawing I chose to do a family, since most people associate this time of year with family. I wanted each of the reindeer to have a unique look.

When it comes to winter and Christmas, few animals are as iconic as the reindeer. Similarly to my polar bear drawing earlier in the series, I wanted to draw on the roots of Christmas traditions and incorporate clothing inspired by the Sami people, who are known to domesticate reindeer and use them in Lapland.

To further emphasize the holiday theme, I chose to draw a family of reindeer. After all, this time of year is often associated with spending time with loved ones. To give each reindeer a unique look, I incorporated different design elements and color schemes into their clothing.

Gypsy Vanner Horse

After featuring three animals with a distinctly Christmas vibe, I decided it was time to showcase some winter creatures that aren't typically associated with the holiday season. I had always imagined that a gypsy vanner horse would look stunning against a snowy backdrop, given their Irish heritage. However, when it came to selecting accessories for the drawing, I struggled to find reliable information on how Romani people historically dressed.

To keep things simple, I opted for an understated look and drew inspiration from older paintings for the horse's necklace and braids. While I would have loved to incorporate more intricate details, I didn't want to risk misrepresenting the Romani culture

Arctic Fox

One of the most fascinating creatures of the Arctic is the Arctic fox. As I began to draw this beautiful animal, I wanted to draw inspiration from a different culture and location that is not typically associated with Christmas. After some research, I was drawn to the Evanki people who have lived in subarctic region of Russia for centuries.

In particular, I found the traditional clothing of the Evenki people to be both striking and practical, utilising fur and hide to keep warm while still maintaining vibrate colours. Drawing on this inspiration, I incorporated similar elements into my depiction of the Arctic fox.