A Muppet of an Artist

Last year I collected the set of LEGO muppet minifigures, and was inspired to paint portraits of my favourite characters. It was one of those ideas that made me laugh and brought back a lot of fond childhood memories, and was eager to start. I had some tiny gold frames with prints on wood in them, which I was considering all sorts of uses for. But in the end, felt they would best suit portraits of my favourite Muppets. 

It's been so much fun over the last two months celebrating my favourite variety show characters by painting this collection of miniatures. Rewatching old episodes, then drawing sketches, painting quick studies, was a lovely way of revisiting memories from my childhood.

As an adult watching the series, I appreciate in a new way the innovation and creativity that Jim Henson and his crew explored. It was a pretty special program, it made everyone feel welcome and like they belonged. The show had a positive impact on me... the characters with all their imperfections were relatable, from their strengths to their insecurities. I think the Muppet Show did a great job of bringing a bunch of weirdos together to make something wonderful. 

 

It was difficult to decide which muppets to paint portraits of, as I love so many of them... but narrowed it down to my favourites.

My collection of miniature portraits includes : 

Nice Legs (Camilla)
The Daredevil (Gonzo)
The Master Chef (The Swedish Chef)
The World's Best Drummer (Animal)
Wocka Wocka (Fozzie Bear)
THE Frog (Kermit)
The Actress (Miss Piggy)
A Spoiled Dog (Foo-Foo)
A Respectable Bird (Sam the Eagle)
A Good Dog (Rowlf)
The Assistant (Beaker)
The Scientist (Dr Bunsen Honeydew)

Of course you can't have the Muppets without The Critics (Statler & Waldorf) who have their own deluxe box-seat style frames. 

I would have loved to keep painting portraits... but I ran out of time, and picture frames! I have some ideas for altered artwork featuring the Muppets... but those will have to wait for a little further down the road! I have some creative plans for the fall that will take up a few months of my time, so will put any of my muppety aspirations on hold till the new year.