Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter

Bit nippy out there, isn’t it? Hope everyone’s keeping warm in 2023. Michelle and I spent the last couple days of the year shivering in our sub-zero studio and painting Rankin/Bass snow monsters for fun.

The Winter Warlock — you can call him Winter — from Santa Clause Is Coming To Town (1970) was a quick, watercolor sketch to keep my shivering hand in practice. I also wanted to try painting the thin, detail lines with a brush instead of relying on colored pencil. Didn’t turn out too bad, and it gave me confidence to try that method more often. Below is the minute-long process short we put together.

And it wouldn’t be winter without The Snow Miser from The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974). I painted him the same way: Arches Hot Press and Daniel Smith Watercolors.

I’ve liked this guy ever since he made it snow down in Southtown, but you have to admit he’s got a bit of a creepy vibe to him. And that’s right on brand for us. Below is our one-minute process short for ol’ mister ten below.

So that’s it. A couple of Rankin/Bass Winter Monsters for you on this 38° day (as of this writing). Happy New Year. Stay warm. Be cool. -v