The sun was just peeking over the horizon on Saturday morning when Tom and I arrived at our location for the big Hills Department Store photo shoot. We chose this store for our photo shoot because it was very similar in appearance to the former Hills store I’ll be painting; it even had a red neon sign that reminded us of that familiar Hills sign from back in the day. If only we had a time machine!

The warm glow of the rising sun was reflected in the store’s windows and onto the ground in the parking lot, inspiring me to visualize my painting. While I was lost in thought, suddenly the peacefulness of the early morning was interrupted by the sound of cars pulling into the parking lot. At first I was afraid they were early-bird shoppers. But then as one car after another approached us, I realized they weren’t shoppers – they were friends, both old and new, arriving to take part in my new painting.

Then Santa arrived to pose for me, playing the part of a Salvation Army Santa complete with kettle. And Santa wasn’t the only celebrity on board… Pittsburgh Dad himself showed up to lend a touch of Pittsburgh Panache to my painting. Because everyone knows Hills is Pittsburgh Dad’s favorite store of all time!

I took over 300 photos to make sure I had plenty of options to compose my painting and place my models. Everyone had a blast! Then last night I roughed the people into the sketch. It was so exciting to bring it to life! If all goes well, I will be unveiling the completed painting at the Home and Garden Show in March – which, believe it or not, is just around the corner!

And speaking of shows… I’ll be super busy today setting up for a brand new big show this weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center…

The Pittsburgh Travel Showcase, opening this weekend at the Convention Center, is a fantastic way to check out vacation destinations far and near, all in one location. Exhibitors will be there representing local, national, and international travel companies, including major cruise lines, railway and tour companies, theme parks, destinations, attractions, and more.

But this isn’t just your average travel show – there will also be great entertainment, food, and even an artist (me!). The Cultural Stage will feature music traditions from around the globe, and delectable international food, beer, and wine will be available at Taste of the World.

The show runs from Friday, January 27th through Sunday the 29th. Hours are Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

I’m honored to be invited to participate in this exciting new event, and I hope you’ll come down this weekend and check it out. And don’t forget, if you missed me during the holidays, if you need a gift for someone special, or if you’re just looking for a fun way to escape the midwinter blahs, I’ll be waiting for you at Booth #504, right near the entrance!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

One of the perks of my business is that I get to have a little bit of holiday joy in my life all year round. Here I am in mid January, under a Christmas tree, playing with miniature trains. I get to play and call it “research!” Actually, it really does help get me into the right mindset to work on my next painting in the “Jolly Old Elf” Santa series.

In fact, I’ve spent so much time with Santa lately, it seems more like November than January. Though Santa has earned the right to be lying on a beach somewhere this month, we did have a lot of fun together this week setting up and creating this year’s new holiday paintings.

I have a feeling this one is going to be the best yet! As you can see in the picture above, I was playing with the miniature trains to get in the proper mood and to visualize how Santa would look as the engineer. Of course, Santa had to play with the trains as well so I could capture his excitement and that sparkle in his eye when he got to be the engineer!

Another new painting got its start this week as I completed the rough first sketch of my painting of Hills Department Store planned for this spring. I will be unveiling it at the Home and Garden Show in March.

I received a lot of wonderful stories from my readers this week about their memories of Hills. Many described Hills memories that we all share… especially sensory memories of the snack bar, the hot dogs grilling on their rollers, the warmth and comforting smells of popcorn and soft pretzels, and so on. But one of the stories, Caitlin’s, told of a little girl who saved her pennies to buy her parents a special Christmas gift at Hills one year.

She begged her parents not to stand near the registers and to wait for her at the front of the store so it would be a surprise. She chose two perfect Christmas stockings for them, and she had exactly enough money to pay for them. But as she was checking out, she realized that she had forgotten about tax and didn’t have enough money. Just when she was about to panic, a young woman in line behind her saw her plight and handed the cashier one more dollar.

And to this day, Caitlin continues to fill those stockings for her parents year after year. I was deeply moved by the message of her story – how a small kindness from a stranger can make a real difference in someone’s life. Caitlin told her story so eloquently, I wish I could reprint it here in its entirety – in a way, she created a painting with her words.

P.S. – Looking for a way to escape the post-holiday winter blahs? I’ll be appearing in my first show of the new year next week. This brand new annual event, Pittsburgh Travel Showcase, takes place from Friday, January 27th to Sunday, January 29th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. If you missed me during the holidays or you need a gift or just an “art fix,” stop by and see me! CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

It’s a brand new year, and after my much-needed Florida vacation, I’m back in the saddle again! I have long list of new paintings planned for 2017 and can’t wait to jump in and get started.

In fact, I already have photo shoots scheduled for a couple of them… including one with my favorite collaborator and model. That’s right, Santa himself! He’s also rested up from his busy holidays and will be coming to my house tonight. From there, we’re headed to the home of one of my clients to take some photos for the next painting in the “Jolly Old Elf” Santa series.

What do I have planned for my Santa series in 2017? Here’s a hint – if you love miniature trains, you’re going to love this year’s painting! Stay tuned…

I have another painting in the works that I will be unveiling at this year’s Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show in March (Friday, March 10th to Sunday, March 19th at the David L Lawrence Convention Center). And I’m doing something a little different this time just to shake things up!

Hills Department Store was a beloved part of the Pittsburgh Experience for so many of us. Whether it was the popcorn and Frozen Cokes in the lobby, the dazzling toy department at Christmas, or back-to-school shopping with the kids, I’ve talked to a lot of people who get nostalgic at the very mention of Hills.

The scene will be looking at the store from the outside as if you have already shopped, or you’re anticipating going into the store.

Hills may be gone, but it lives on in our memories… and soon in my new painting.

P.S. – Coming soon to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center – a big new annual show! Come visit me at the Pittsburgh Travel Show (presented by AAA) January 27th to 29th if you love to travel… or if you missed me during the holiday season. CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I’m writing to you from somewhere along the interstate in Ohio on my first real day off since late October.

I’m definitely ready for some downtime after finishing off another successful year at the People’s Gas Holiday Market in Market Square. After over a month of 12+ hour days, we were SO ready to be done that we had the Chalet completely packed up and ready to move out within a couple hours on the last day (December 23rd)!

So you can imagine what it was like for me on Christmas Eve – a very intense catch-up day! Taking care of all those details that tended to get put off while I put in long days at the Chalet… lots of shopping and wrapping and preparations. The beautiful Christmas candlelight services, full of warmth, meaning, and joy, were a very welcome interlude of peace and calm in my busy holiday season.

It was nice while it lasted… but first thing Monday morning, it was back to work. I spent the first couple days of this week unloading my van, reorganizing my inventory, and getting the latest after-Christmas orders to the post office.

Then Wednesday evening we were on the move again – we packed up the whole family and hit the road headed for Nashville. With a late start, we made it as far as Columbus, Ohio.

Thursday was a quiet day of just driving and relaxing. I couldn’t help but smile as I pictured the scene later that day when Aria would meet her great-grandma for the first time. What a wonderful way to end the year! Being together in the van traveling with my family – Tom, Brittany, Alyssa, Jon, and Aria – is my definition of true happiness.

What’s next for me in 2017? I’m excited about the possibilities and already dreaming about new paintings. But for right now, I’m going to live in the moment, first enjoying a few days with my Tennessee family… then it’s off to Florida next week for some much-needed R&R with Tom.

Here’s hoping that your holidays are truly “merry and bright!” From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a happy, healthy, safe, and successful New Year. You are a great blessing in my life, and I hope I can return those blessings to you in some way.

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Ho Ho Ho! And a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but this is my favorite time of year. One of the things I love most about the holidays is how we come together and celebrate with family, friends, and colleagues. Here at my chalet downtown in Market Square, I’m meeting not only my faithful customers and readers, but amazing people from around the world as well. It’s rich and uplifting, and I’m loving it!

In the midst of all this good cheer, festive decor, and lovely music, I realized something interesting this week. As I’m meeting and talking with so many people lately, I can’t help but notice what seems like – even in adults – a downright giddy love for Santa Claus! Of course, you expect children to be excited in the presence of the big guy, but I’m talking about grown men and women beaming with childlike joy when they meet Santa.

Here in my Holiday Market Chalet, I have a wall devoted to my Jolly Old Elf Series. This year, I added a rich green background to the wall that really displays my holiday paintings beautifully. And now in the second year of the five-year series, customers are taking notice!

I don’t mean to brag (OK, just a little!), but Santa and I are really tight. We get to hang out sometimes during the Holiday Market while he’s here in his very own Santa House. He’s been so gracious to my customers, offering to sign their paintings and ornaments. Several times just this week, I’ve walked a client over to the Santa House with their just-purchased large print or painting, and Santa always takes the time to personally sign their piece. For a smaller painting or ornament, I will offer to lend them my pen to have him sign it and ask them to return the pen to my booth afterwards.

Again, this year I’ve particularly noticed the sheer delight in the faces of my adult customers when they meet Santa “in person” – many of them even request a Santa Selfie!

Sometimes they purchase the paintings as a surprise gift for a spouse or a parent or an old friend, but often they are buying the painting for themselves. Many times, my customers have shared with me their wonderful childhood memories and how Santa has meant so much to them and to their children.

If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone special (that includes yourself!), you can relive the joys of Christmas Past with a Linda Barnicott print… a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. CLICK HERE to begin your shopping!

One more week until Christmas! I hope you’ll come visit me in Market Square – I’ll be there until December 23rd.

P.S. – I will be discontinuing my ceramic ornaments after this holiday season. The remaining stock will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you’re collecting them, order now!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Can you believe it is December already? Where has this year gone to? They say time seems to pass more quickly when life is busy, and that has certainly been the case for the Barnicotts this year!

The biggest event for us, of course, was the birth of little Aria Grace, our first grandchild – already 3 months old. Talk about time passing quickly! She’s just a perfect little person, and her smiles will melt your heart. It seems like she grows and changes every day (it’s really fun to watch how she’s begun to imitate everyone she sees). I’m afraid if I blink, I’ll miss something, so despite my usual hectic holiday season, somehow I manage to sneak in a visit whenever I can!

With my crazy schedule at this time of year, another activity I have to sneak in when I can is decorating. Believe it or not, my Christmas decorating begins the day after Halloween because I know my time for such things will be limited because of the Holiday Market. Yet slowly but surely, little by little, our home is becoming increasingly festive!

At least Tom and I have gotten the tree up (minus the ornaments so far, but that’s next on the list). Still, it’s so delightful to come home to our work-in-progress tree after a long day at the Chalet and just enjoy the beauty of the lights and the quiet of the evening.

The weather this year has been cooperative, so the Holiday Market has been extra busy. I’ve already seen many of my readers there this year, and I’m looking forward to visiting with more of you in the next couple of weeks as we count down to Christmas.

With shopping time growing short, I’d love to help you with your holiday gift-giving. Pittsburgh memories are golden… precious moments spent with family and friends that you can relive by just a glance of a painting. And of course, I’m always happy to personalize your gifts to make them extra special for your loved ones.

Don’t forget, I have more than just paintings! For example, my ornaments, note cards, and candles are the perfect solution when you need an office gift… or if you’re participating in an ornament exchange or grab bag gift with family, friends, or co-workers. I have more options than ever this year to help you get your holiday shopping done – even when time is running out.

Enjoy the season!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, happy and blessed, visiting, entertaining, feasting, or just relaxing with family and friends. But don’t forget to rest up for the big shopping weekend to come – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are all close at hand!

Today I’m enjoying my only day off between Light-Up Night and Christmas Eve, and I’ll be back at the Chalet in Market Square, braving the cold tomorrow and every day for the next month. But I’m not complaining… I love being part of the festivities and excitement at the Holiday Market, and I get the VERY BEST visitors!

In fact, Santa took time out on Wednesday from his hectic Thanksgiving-Eve duties to hang out for a little while at my Chalet. Santa’s enthusiasm is so contagious! His visit really got me into the holiday spirit.

Speaking of getting into the holiday spirit… I have some super duper deals on art and gifts for you this weekend!

I’m celebrating Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all in one big weekend sale to help you “wrap up” your holiday gifting in no time!

For starters, if you come down to see me at the Holiday Market in downtown Pittsburgh’s Market Square this weekend, you will get FREE ART!

With any purchase that totals over $100.00, you will receive FREE your choice of one of the following:

~ Box of Notecards
~ Box of Christmas Cards
~ Metal Coaster
~ Metal Mint Tray
~ Ornament
~ And a Partridge in a Pear Tree (just kidding…I’m sold out of partridges)

In other words, you can save an average of 15% to 24% just for coming into town! Limit one offer per customer per day. To claim your special savings, just print out this blog or show it to me on your phone.

Can’t make it to the Holiday Market or prefer to order online? I’ve got you covered. Just for this weekend, I’m offering FREE SHIPPING with any purchase over $100.00. There are lots of savings to take advantage of! CLICK HERE to begin your shopping.

A visit to the Holiday Market this weekend is the perfect way to begin the Christmas season. So enjoy your leftovers, then come on down. Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. – The sale begins tonight (Thanksgiving Night, November 24th) at midnight and ends at midnight on Cyber Monday (November 28th).

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

With a jolly Ho-Ho-Ho! Ready or not, it’s Showtime in Market Square!

My elves and I have been working nonstop this week. We’ve had a blast setting up everything and putting together my wooden Alpine Chalet for the 2016 People’s Gas Holiday Market in Market Square. We tried some different things this year with my booth near the stage. This year we’re trying a brand new look and easier access to my art and gifts. With lots of new paintings and gifts adorning the Chalet, finding your holiday gift purchases will be fun!

So everything’s in place… the Chalet is fully stocked and ready to go for tonight’s soft opening from 4 to 8 PM. Then starting with Light-Up Night on Friday (tomorrow, November 18th), we will be open every day until December 23rd with one day off for Thanksgiving.

Every year the Holiday Market gets bigger and better. With live music, good food, tons of activities, and many unique vendors – not to mention Santa holding court in Market Square! – it’s the best way I know for Pittsburghers to usher in the season. So stop by my Chalet this weekend and see what’s new! I’ll be happy to personalize a gift of art for someone you love.

Let’s get this party started!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.

Wow! Another crazy week here in and around my studio. Though it’s definitely exhausting, I love the “busy-ness” of this time of year with shows galore and orders pouring in.

And though it seems like we just put away our Halloween décor, next week begins my end-of-the-year marathon at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square! In fact, I will be having a soft opening from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 17th… then of course I’ll be there every day (except Thanksgiving) right up until December 23rd. CLICK HERE to view my Calendar of Events and find out more about this and other upcoming events.

In the meantime, I’m exhibiting at a smaller show this Saturday, November 12th, at the Bethel Presbyterian Church here in Bethel Park. So if you don’t like driving into town, this is a very pleasant venue for you to come and see all my new pieces and shop for the holidays!

But the highlight of my week (and maybe even my whole month!) was spending yesterday afternoon with my husband and Franco Harris at Bravo Cucina Italiana in the North Hills.

My supply of signature prints of “Franco Harris – The Immaculate Reception Story” had sold out, so I asked him to sign a bunch of them for me for the upcoming gifting season. Anyway, it was a great excuse to catch up with Franco, who is always more than generous with his time. Tom and I truly adore him.

Did I ever tell you about the first time I met Franco?

Now, the first thing you need to know is that I am not a native Pittsburgher, and back in the days of my youth, the only sport I was interested in was sailing. I was definitely not someone who would stay home to watch football or baseball on TV. So when I started that painting I didn’t know a lot about football.

As I always do when creating a new painting, I had made a series of pencil sketches to work from, and Franco agreed to meet with me and Tom to go over them. First I showed Franco the pencil work I had done with sketches of Terry Bradshaw, Chuck Noll, Art Rooney, and Frenchy Fuqua. Then finally, I revealed the sketch of himself that would be the center of the painting, catching the football in that legendary moment.

“And here is The Scoop!” I announced. He looked a little confused. “The Scoop?” he asked. “Yes,” I said, “The Scoop! You know…” and I pointed out how the sketch showed him making that historic catch. I think it was then that Franco realized I hadn’t a clue. He very sweetly put his hand on my arm, looked me right in the eye, and said, “Linda… we call that The Reception.” I just laughed while Franco and Tom spent the next five minutes making ice cream scoop jokes.

I have so many fun memories of creating this painting with Franco! If you know someone with a man cave that is in need of décor, or perhaps just a Steelers fan who would love to hang it in their home or office, I hope you’ll come by this holiday season and take a look. Or you can check it out online by CLICKING HERE!

Make sure you are the first to know about all of my news, appearances and any “special deals” I am offering to my subscribers, by taking the time to sign up for my weekly newsletters now. CLICK HERE to sign up. You will also receive a FREE slideshow showing the step-by-step development of my painting, “Celebrating Time and Tradition at Macy’s”.