Flying reindeer are my favorite Christmas doodles. I learned these from my favorite calligrapher in the whole world, Betty Locke from Canada. After admiring her water color and calligraphy for years, I was fortunate enough to take classes from her on two separate occasions. I'd take another in a heartbeat if I could just get her down to Texas.
In the summer of '09 St. Wayne and I went up to Victoria Island where she and her husband Duncan live and actually had lunch with them. But, unlucky for me, no time for a class. I adore everthing Betty does and she has such a fun, whimsical style. You might google her and see for yourself. She's fabulous.
But back to Rudolph...it's one thing I learned from her that anyone can do. These little reindeer have graced many a Christmas envelope for me over the years and, if you start right now, they can for you, too. It takes a little practice and the right tools, but you can do it!
I use a 1/2" flat watercolor brush, or you can actually draw the rectangle and the triangle. But the flat brush is just one horizontal stroke and a pivot for the head. Then draw on the tail, antlers and the flying legs. The finishing touch is a red nose. Get your supplies out and have a fun afternoon getting familiar with Rudolph!
