A Santa Claus portrait based on a Japanese theme. I found a small stuffed polar bear at a garage sale. As I had wanted to do a Japanese theme I decided to use the polar bear with Japanese elements. One of the Japanese gods of good fortune is Hotei, God of Happiness, which is now the polar bears name. The God Hotei (shown top left) is generally depicted as a man of generous proportions, that is to say he has a substantial belly. His kimono usually is down around his shoulders, but not over them. He is happy and carries a large bag from which he may draw out gifts. 

fkb1288
4x5 oil
First idea study.

fkb1289
6x9 oil
Second idea study

fkb1291
oil 24x36 inch
Final painting