A Painted Gingerbread Man Nutcracker for “It’s a Nutty Christmas”Public Art Project

My painted gingerbread man nutcracker porch leaner was created for the “It’s a Nutty Christmas” display this year. The Beaufort Art Association Gallery is calling on artists to create 4′ and 6′ nutcrackers to be “rented” and displayed by local businesses throughout the Christmas season. The proceeds are earmarked for purchasing art supplies for kids.

The nutcrackers will be on display throughout Beaufort from November 23 – December 11, during which time there will be scavenger hunts, picture-taking contests, and a competition for “best smile on a Nutcracker” judged by local dentists! All proceeds from Nutcracker rentals will go to benefit the BAA educational art fund for children. – taken from an article posted by Margaret Evans in the Lowcountry Weekly.

You can see a virtual tour of some of the nutcrackers here.

The Concept of a Gingerbread Man Nutcracker

What type of nutcracker should I paint? was the question. First, I thought of doing a pirate nutcracker. Can you see him in a French-stripe sailor’s shirt and palmetto tree print pants? I could paint a crab on his shoulder instead of a parrot. Maybe I was trying too hard to fit into the Lowcountry theme.

At the end of the day, I had to be true to myself. When I think Nutcracker, my mind immediately goes to the story (not the ballet) by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. He is a Romantic Period writer, and a man after my own heart. His characters are not sweet. In fact, they’re kind of scary. What could be more nutcrackerish than a slightly sinister character based on a German sweetcake?

Getting Started on the Painted Gingerbread Man Nutcracker

When I walked into the huge room filled with nutcrackers, I was amazed. How was I ever going to live up to this? Luckily I chose a 4′ board rather than a 6′. At least I knew what I wanted to paint.

My first attempt looked like a golden Mr. Bill, or like a gingerbread man version of Gumby.

He also had an Egyptian pose. I’m taking an Art History class this semester-maybe it’s rubbing off on me a little too much.

Luckily, a good friend suggested adding boots. We artists need those friends that are loving, yet honest about what we create.

Adding the Details

I’m from East Tennessee originally, so red flannel pajamas naturally came to mind. Santa boots with fur also seemed like a good idea. However, I needed to make sure he looked like a gingerbread man and a nutcracker. Icing details and nutcracker facial features took care of those problems.

Finishing the Painted Nutcracker Gingerbread Man

Should I add snow? It doesn’t really snow here. But it does snow where this guy lives. As a craft show queen in the 1990s, I painted lots of acrylic swirls. I painted plenty of swirly snow as a nod to all the hard-working crafters and makers and my folk art past and present.

I hope you enjoyed A Painted Gingerbread Nutcracker for “It’s a Nutty Christmas” Public Art Project.

Subscribe to Love My Little Cottage here.

Read Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ themed Christmas Tree