Rabbit, Vexed

Rabbit, Vexed

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"Rabbit, Vexed" - oil on yupo, 12 x 18.5 inches.   This item is unmounted and  unframed (click on the image to purchase)

​People look at me like I'm a little strange, when I go around talking to squirrels and rabbits and stuff. That's ok. That's just ok. - BOB ROSS

Hello, shiny new year.

Let's begin with rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.   Rabbits in all their fur-clad peculiarity.

I think everyone knows about this superstition to begin each month, but in case you don't, here's the scoop: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit_rabbit

Here at Malarkey Central, we have a rabbit ritual of our own: mainly, when overwhelmed by the world, use the AI bot to create images of GIANT ANGRY RABBITS and watch the worries float away.  It is quite cathartic and also results in a big folder of art inspiration images.

When your studio wall is filled with wet paintings of ballgown bots and angry rabbits, it is pretty hard to be sad.  It's the oddest party of all, and I highly recommend it.

Ross talked to squirrels and rabbits.  I do, too (and crows, and hummingbirds).  There is good science behind the importance of getting out and experiencing a bit of awe in the world: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/awe-wonder-walk-improve-health_uk_676fd08ce4b02a171f25b1cb.  Awe can be inspired by nature, by music and (of course) by art.  Which may be a good thing to focus on in 2025.  Awe as an antidote to wonkiness in the wide world?  Well, it's a start anyway.

I'd love to hear where you find awe - leave a comment below!  One (or more) lucky commenters this month will win a piece of original art - free!  

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​About the art:  this rabbit (the first in a series of  lagomorphs) was inspired by the works of Möbius and Diebenkorn.  Beginning with a rough sketch in thinned oil paint and slowly adding layers of color.  Keeping a basic geometry to the background and adding texture with chopsticks, butcher paper and a squeegee.  Allowing  edges to be soft and hard, and letting the texture on the rabbit build up to pull him forward in the piece.  Some very thinned paint for the dripping on his shirt front and a long, long drying time.  I can't help but grin when I look at him. :)

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Congratulations to Trina T.!  Wonder Mike chose your name at random as winner of the December Reader Giveaway!  Send your mailing address to [email protected] and your prize will be in the post!  And thanks to everyone who participated.  Your comments are a great gift to me and to other blog readers. 

A new contest begins today!  Leave a comment on any post in January to be entered.