Better watch out Better not cry

You might have heard all about Saint Nicholas; the frosty do-gooder who travels on snowflakes and delivers presents and bright tidings to the good little children.

Well Nick doesnt travel alone.

Just in case youve been a bit naughty this year you should be warned about Krampusz and you should repent. Immediately. Because St. Nick is not having it.

Naughty children have been warned for centuries about the potential of receiving a bundle of twigs or coal instead of toys. It's Krampusz that metes out this punishment for Nick. And it could be even worse. Looking at some of the art depicting Krampusz you might have to suffer an actual beating with the bundle of twigs or possibly be carried straight to hell on his hairy back.

If you fail to set things right with St. Nick, Krampusz gets to keep your loot

There is no limit to the amount of bad children that can be rounded up in one evening

the proverbial "slippery slope"

You better watch out; better not cry; better not pout; im telling you why!

Im sure none of the readers of this blog have anything to worry about. But on the off chance someone who might have had a bad moment here and there this past year stops by, perhaps they might leave some schnapps alongside the milk and cookies. Krampusz likes schnapps. And beer.

Merry Eve of the Eve to all!

circa 1962 bird illustrations

aren't these great? i have been buying some old field guides and little golden nature books whenever i can find them. the illustrations are always so charming and i love the old school coloration. i have really had it with slick illustrator (vector based) art -and though i appreciate the software, and still want to learn it, there is something about brush to water to paper that will always trump sitting before a glowing monitor to create art. I think i will always be an artist that does it the old way. c'est la vie.