Halloween Henson Coven 2022!

So last year for Halloween weekend my husband Frank and I went on a little road trip to have Famous Monster pizza for our wedding anniversary dinner and came home in time for Halloween day where I transformed myself into a Muppet (Dr. Teeth to be exact). Then this year we went on a longer road trip to see Muppets and got home in time for Halloween day where I transformed myself into a “supreme” witch! The best of both worlds 2 years in a row and my heart is full.

You could imagine when we got to Grand Rapids Art Museum for the Jim Henson Exhibition, Imagination Unlimited that I would take tons of photos with everything in the exhibit. I narrowed it down to some of my favorites to share here and it was still hard to choose. For instance, Labyrinth has always been my all time favorite movie. I had a hard time pulling myself away from Jareth’s iconic Goblin King Masquerade suit. If people were not waiting for their turn to see it I could’ve stood there all day in complete awe. Just knowing there was only a display case between me and this sparkly wonder that David Bowie (aka as my “fairy godfather”) wore just blew my mind. I felt the same magic at that very moment that I felt the first time my Dad introduced me to the film as a young gelfling.

When it came to the puppets themselves it felt like you were about to meet a celebrity. I know that sounds crazy.. but that excitement you get standing in line at a con to meet your favorite actor.. add your inner child about to burst at the seams of your very existence and that was me.

One of the really remarkable things about this exhibit was not only being this close to Jim Henson’s work but also seeing the workmanship and production materials up close. From to the materials used on Grovers mouth.. to the glass in Count Von Count’s monocle, it was truly remarkable to experience as a fan but also take it all in as an artist who has been inspired by the magic of Jim Henson their whole life. We walked the exhibit multiple times and I even got to experience putting on a puppet show in a booth they had set up. As you can see from the cheesy grin on my face I didn’t want to leave.

When we got home from our little anniversary getaway it was time to finally reveal this year’s costume to everyone on Halloween day. Not checked off my art bucket list (yet) but officially off my costume bucket list.. I present to you the one and only real supreme.. Myrtle Snow (as portrayed by me but originally portrayed by the incredible Frances Conroy in American Horror Story). I loved how naturally my sassiness came out reincarnating the look of Myrtle. Forever one of my all time favorite AHS characters I couldn’t help but feel powerful stepping into her shoes.

I hope all my Freaky Fanatics had a wonderful Halloween and I appreciate all of your patience with getting back to you on art and order inquiries while I have been away.

If you are new here and like this post, be sure to check out the Skinned page of my portfolio website and feel free to leave a comment with the costume you think I should do next year!

Balenciaga!
LDG Nicole

Dead Girl Decay: New Portrait Necklaces!

Last month I announced the addition of my new Dead Girl Decay portrait necklaces. Well, I am happy to announce that I have added 11 more necklaces to this unique wearable art collection. And like the last set, there is currently only 1 of each available.

Check them out and purchase them in my Etsy or Amazon stores!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole

Spitting Image: We All Have Our Flaws Kitten

I have been wanting to do a portrait of Denis O’Hare for quite some time. I fell in love with him and his acting skills when I first saw him as Russel Edginton in True Blood.

One thing about Denis O’Hare is that he can play a role (big or small) and completely steal the show. That is one of the things I really admire about him. You really can’t take your eyes off him when he appears on the screen and you can’t wait to hear the next witty thing that comes out of his mouth. 

When American Horror Story Season 1 (Murder House) first came on TV, I of course was tuned in each week. When I first saw Larry Harvey appear on my screen, I literally looked at my husband in excitement and said “Baby is that.. is that DENIS O’HARE!” I was so thrilled to see him  starring in another horror genre TV show. When he did not return for Season 2 (Asylum) I was a bit sadden by the news but I still had my True Blood to hold me over.

When Season 3 of American Horror Story (Coven) aired and I saw him as Spalding I was so happy to see that the people who make the show smartened up and brought him back on. Although there was no witty comments coming from Spalding’s “tongue” you still couldn’t help but focus on him. He makes the characters he plays so believable that you want to know more about them.

When Season 4 (Freakshow) was announced I was already hung ho because as we all know. I have quite the Circus/Sideshow obsession. Then Denis was introduced as Stanley. A con artist buying and selling “freaks” with a “big” secret of his own who eventually and involuntarily gets to join the show as their next “Geek”! Each part of the character transitions and Denis doesn’t skip a beat through out the whole season.

However I have to say that Season 5 (Hotel) is where Denis got his real chance to shine. I was not really anticipating this season as Jessica Lange was being replaced by Lady GaGa. I had not known that Denis was signed on to come back again so that was a pleasant surprise when I tuned in. So many people were talking about Lady GaGa (who really seemed to only get naked and have sex the entire show), when Denis as Liz Taylor was the show stopping performance to me. The character not only broke barriers but left you wanting more from him. The witty one liners were back and he once again was my reason for tuning in.

So there is a reason for all this Denis O’Hare fandamonium. You see I finally did a portrait of him. If all goes as planned I will be able to give this to him next month in person! This one is pretty unique as it is actually four portraits in one and I only used color in various parts for symbolism and to bring the portrait together as a whole. Each part of the portrait represents one of the four characters Denis has portrayed in American Horror Story (hence my explanation of why each character on the show is so important).

In tribute to Liz Taylor I call it “We All Have Our Flaws Kitten”………

Prints are available in my Etsy Shop!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole

Loves: Supreme Cocoa

Look everyone I found the next supreme! I will say it is quite magical ha ha. Fiona can now be replaced LMFAO!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole