Santa Claus Comes Alive in New Paintings and Prints from Beloved Pittsburgh Artist Linda Barnicott

PITTSBURGH, June 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Yes, Virginia, Santa Claus is alive and well and living in Pittsburgh.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150610/222098
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Pittsburgh's well-known artist Linda Barnicott has unveiled the first in a series of five Santa paintings that evoke the America of Norman Rockwell with a warm, homespun feeling.

"Shhhh!" is the first of five major limited-edition giclee prints in her "Jolly Old Elf" series to be released over the next five years.

"The original has already been sold to one of my favorite collectors," said Linda Barnicott who is known for her series of paintings that evoke the essence of Pittsburgh, including the iconic "Meet Me under Kaufmann's Clock." Her artworks have raised hundred of thousands of dollars for numerous charities in the greater Pittsburgh area while creating memories that last a lifetime for all those who experience her art.

"The painting, 'Shhhh!' takes me back to my early childhood with my thoughts of Santa and who he was for me. The Santa in Linda's painting is just the way I pictured him – jolly, warm, rosy cheeks, happy and wanting nothing more than to make every little child glad. When I laid eyes on the finished painting, I just had to have it," said Father Richard Yagesh, of Holy Child Parish.

"It is so festive, bright and true to life. The clever 'painting within a painting' (of the famed Kaufmann's Clock) was totally ingenious and a special bonus to me. It is as though I have the next best thing. It reminded me of the annual ritual of the ride on Thanksgiving evening to see the Christmas windows. All in all, I felt a great feeling of nostalgia that makes me want to share it with all who cross my path, and believe me that's a lot of people," he said. 

"From the time I was a little girl, I loved painting portraits because it makes people happy. I love that connection. When I started painting this series, I wanted to create something that would touch people's hearts and give them a warm and fuzzy feeling inside," Barnicott said.

"Everyone loves Santa Claus. These paintings can make so many people happy by bringing them back to their childhood as they relive their own stories."

These paintings can brighten a holiday decor, be given as gifts, or added to anyone's collection of art or Pittsburgh memorabilia.

In addition to the limited edition series, Linda will create smaller vignettes of Santa each year. These 9" x 12" prints will be whimsical creations with Santa pursuing his various hobbies, including "Santa's Selfie," Santa on his vintage Harley, Santa on the golf course, and Pittsburgh Santa.

"If you have a soft spot for Santa you'll love to add these special paintings to your home," she said.

Today, Santa lovers can begin their Christmas shopping early when they choose to purchase, "Shhhh!" from any of these three archival editions:

• Signed Limited Edition of 750 giclee prints, 15"x 20", $175.00 per print.
• Signed Artist Proof Edition of 75 giclee prints, 15" x 20", $225.00 per print.
• Signed Artist Enhanced Edition of 75 giclee prints, 18.75" x 25", enhanced with her medium, chalk pastels: $400.00 per print.

About Linda Barnicott

Linda Barnicott began her career as a portrait artist in 1975. Today, she is beloved and sought-after for her enchanting portraits of Pittsburgh. Using rich pastel colors, she captures the unique beauty of famous Pittsburgh scenes with a charm all her own.

It began in 1989 with the now-famous tribute to downtown holiday shopping, "Meet Me Under Kaufmann's Clock." The work immediately won the hearts of Pittsburghers, who have been meeting friends under the clock downtown for years. From this work, Linda created several series of Pittsburgh landmarks, capturing warm memories loved by generations.

As a portrait artist, Linda has included family members and friends in every painting.

Notable commissions include Pittsburgh's 50^th Anniversary of Light-up Night, the Three Rivers Regatta (1996), Macy's celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Kaufmann's Clock (2013), and La Roche College's 50^th anniversary (2013).

Mostly self-taught, Linda studied with internationally-acclaimed portrait artist Daniel Greene and master pastel landscape artist Richard McKinley.

Notable achievements include a Proclamation from the City of Pittsburgh (2000), winner of the prestigious Forbes® Enterprise Award (2006), featured cover story of the national magazine, "Professional Artist" (2008), member of the Salmagundi Club, and Pittsburgh's Circle of Courage (2013).

Her most notable work was with the American Cancer Society's annual holiday card campaign (1998 – 2014), raising more than $750,000 for cancer research and prevention.

Barnicott's studio is in Bethel Park, PA where she lives with her husband, Tom.

You can visit her online gallery at www.lindabarnicott.com.

Contact

Linda Barnicott

412-283-4072 

Email 

SOURCE Linda Barnicott

Related Links

http://www.lindabarnicott.com