Scandinavian Animals at the Fair -- Matryoshka Dolls ~ Set 1

This is the 1st set of Matryoshka dolls that I've painted.  In all honesty, I have not touched a paint brush in 10 or so years and I must confess I have now completely fallen back in love with it.  Most art pieces that I've painted in the past are mostly "functional" vs. canvases, and this is no exception.

I will not take credit for this idea because it was originally inspired by Irina Troitskaya who's work is ever lovely and flawless. 

Lastly, I usually never keep what I paint, so needless to say, this set of sweet-toothed arctic animals are now safe and sound in Umeå, Sverige, keeping a lovely little Prince company throughout the winter months. ;)

Here's the entire process, from start to finish.....

Rough Sketches and Colour Study:

 Here they are unpainted:

Base coat:

Sketched and outlined:

Colouring in each animal:

After varnishing... too bad I over varnished as there are some yellow banding on the Arctic Fox, Snow Owl and Snow Hare...... *sigh*:

Personalized message at the bottom:

Here they are getting ready for their long journey: