If you know me at all, you know that I love old things. The reasons are many. Old toys hold an especially sweet spot in my heart, and I’ve used them as the subject of many of my paintings. Here’s a group of special ones I chose for this month’s mini-gallery.

Exploring through my husband’s childhood things, I discovered the Sock Monkey. Made by his mother from actual socks, this toy made an immediate impression on me.  I love its simplicity and its clear evidence of being loved for many years. (Yes, he is missing an arm.)

Technically the Yellow Chick in this painting is not a toy.  I bought this tiny sculpture of a toy from an art festival years ago.  It sits among many other bits of my childhood including some old photos and an original Barbie handed down to me from a neighbor. (the actual vintage toy here.)

The little Panda Tricycle was a gift to my mother from one of her many grandchildren. It sat on display in her home through her last decade or so, and now it has moved to my home. I love its tinny sounds and awkward movements as it slowly cranks along. Panda parent and baby look very excited for their ride.

Mr. Peanut has been with me since early childhood; purchased on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey.  It has lived on a bookshelf in a number of my rooms and houses, filled with the scant number of coins that can actually fit in his top hat bank. I hadn’t realized in all those years how human-like the features of his face are. It’s honestly a bit creepy.

Another of my favorite childhood toys is the squishy Pillsbury Doughboy doll. He was an extra special toy because we had to send away to purchase him (foreshadowing of almost every purchase these days!) He and Mr. Peanut have probably lived side by side now for almost half a century.

Check out availability of paintings and prints in the Vintage Finds section of the online store.