Reviews from

Christmas Eve 2023

The night before Christmas

12 total reviews 
Comment from avmurray


It is all there. The Christmas tree, gifts, an open fire and Christmas stockings to create the perfect Christmas mood. At the same time this painting is filled with great colors and the fine textures you are so known for. Yes, an abstract, but at the same time very recognizable.

I especially like the way you have brought out life and light to this scene, and how well the details of all the items are standing out.

The tall format is of course perfect, and with the Christmas tree off to the left, it is a very fine balance in the composition. I think this is a truly lovely and well done painting Ray, and I wish you luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 06-Dec-2023
    Annie, thank you very much for your wonderful review and rating. I grew up and my mother was into decorating for Christmas. We had a picture window in the front of the house and my mother painted a Santa Claus on the picture window with candles in the adjoining panels. She did that every year. Christmas was a big deal in my house and it is so memorable.I am so glad i could share this with you. may you have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas. Ray
reply by avmurray on 07-Dec-2023
    Seems like your mother and I had a lot in common, because I love to decorate my house for Christmas. It is already Christmas gnomes and a lit up reindeer sitting outside on the top of the stairs. You are of course more than welcome for the review.
Comment from helvi2


Nice tree and fireplace with Christmas stockings hung. Love the presents 'round the tree too. Looks like you have bits of Christmas scattered thru your image. I swear I can even see "Dicken's" Christmas Carol in there. This kind of has a look of, Christmas reflections in my mind. A different view of Christmas. Very Cool and interesting Ray. Good Luck in the contest! :o) Nancy

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 06-Dec-2023
    Nancy, I am so glad I could share this idea of Christmas with you. I am happy that you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Ray
reply by helvi2 on 07-Dec-2023
    Right back at you Ray! Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas! :o) Nancy
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2023
    Thank you Nancy. Ray
Comment from Christine389


All the sentiments of the Season are captured here and portrayed in your unique style. You've managed to put a modern twist on a traditional, nostalgic scene. There's so much detail to enjoy here, I can see the amount of work that's gone into this festive piece. I think I might see the ghost of Christmas past hovering around in there! Love the five little stockings above the fireplace. It's original and clever work.

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2023
    Christine, I am so glad you enjoy this. I tried to capture the details of Christmas eve from fond memories and thoughts. One thing I forgot was the cookies and milk for Santa's treat. You will jst have to imagine that. Thank you for your wonderful review and rating, it is well appreciated. Ray
Comment from seshadri_sreenivasan


It looks like, in the quiet depths of the forest, an awe-inspiring spectacle of Christmas at its finest. It looks like a celebration of vibrant life. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2023
    Sesha, thank you so much for the fine review, so glad you like it and thanks for the luck. Ray
Comment from Shadow catcher


What a great image, Ray! reminds me of my childhood Christmases; fireplace with stockings, beautiful lighted tree adorned with ornaments and gaily wrapped presents. I see a child overlooking the scene; perhaps it's Christmas morn and they have snuck down early to see which presents are theirs. Such a beautiful scene, perfect for this contest, best wishes to you, Ray!

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2023
    LeeAnn, thank you so much for this wonderful review and rating. You are right, tis the season to bring up fond memories and cherish the same. I am so glad you enjoyed this and I wish you a wonderful Holiday season. Ray
Comment from JirinaInspire


Wow this is a wonderful painting Ray and so much ahead of time. Christmas is still far ahead of the time and you are ready.
Great details and colors with perfect presentation!

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Jirina, thank you for the wonderful review. I had something in mind and had to go with it. I am glad you like it. Ray
Comment from Jennifer Lancaster


Christmas card worthy! Very festive piece. Great use of colors and glimmering light feel. I love how whimsical it feels to me. Detailing is outstanding.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Jennifer, thank you for your fine review. I am glad you enjoy it. Ray
Comment from Lynnmarie2


I love the stockings hanging there and the presents under the tree. Wonderful adaption of a Christmas theme. Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest!

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Thank you Lynn, for you fine review, I am glad you like it. Ray
Comment from suffolkbrian


You have a unique style Ray and it certainly shows in this one,so much to take in and a typical christmas scene and evokes that christmas feel,bet this takes ages to do well done...Brian

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Brian, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and rating. This one took me about 7 two hour sessions, I am so glad you like it. Ray
reply by suffolkbrian on 04-Dec-2023
    your welcome
Comment from alaskapat


This is such a delightful Christmas Scene! I have always loved a Christmas Tree and a fireplace together ! I love the way you placed the tree on left and fireplace complete with the 5 stockings on the right, it appears that this is a family of 5 , two adults and three children! Love the presents and it appears that a child is standing up behind the stair railing, looking down .
This is so well created in your distinct style, well chosen colors , awesome show of the Christmas lights and the warm fire .
Well presented! This is an awesome entry for this contest! Very best wishes to you !

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Thank you Pat, for your wonderful review and rating. It took a while But it was fun to do. I am so glad you like it. I tried to include most of the seasonal elements. Nothing beats a cozy fire and the smell of fir and pine. Thank you again Pat. Ray