Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Young artist displays his love for Christmas

His artwork will appear soon in a Lands' End holiday catalog. But he's used to the limelight.

By ABHA BHATTARAI
Published November 15, 2006

PINELLAS PARK - Six-year-old model Tristan DeMarzo has been in dozens of magazine ads for Beall's, Publix, Dillard's and Disney, but next month, it's his artwork that will on display in a Lands' End catalog.

Tristan's painting of a reindeer - made with one footprint and two handprints - was the honorable mention winner for Lands' End's Holiday Art Contest.

Tristan won a $25 gift card and his painting will be one of 30 published in the company's Kids Holiday catalog.

In between riding his four-wheeler and playing tennis, Tristan answered some questions about his winning painting.

Why paint Rudolph?

I got to do this show at my school and my principal picked me to do a solo as Rudolph. I dressed up with a brown jacket and a nose that would light up. I drew it the same time I was practicing for the show.

How did you find out you won?

My mom told me in the car. I felt happy. It was the same day I found out I was student of the month.

Why do you like Christmas?

Because Santa comes and he brings toys. I leave cookies and milk for him. Rudolph gets to come inside my house and eat carrots. The other reindeer eat the reindeer food I sprinkle on the lawn every year. It has oatmeal and glitter in it so they can see where to land.

Have you seen the reindeer?

No, not when they land on the roof, but I saw a big reindeer paw pressed down on the roof one time.

What's on your Christmas list this year?

Pretty much for Christmas, I just want this cool thing. It's a car and it can drive and transform into a boat and into a plane.

[Last modified November 15, 2006, 06:58:12]