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| Free Range, oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches, 2009 |
This week the theme over at Illustration Friday is Chicken. At the risk of being a literalist, this painting from about a year ago sprang to mind. I painted this at the 2009 Plein Air at Beaver Farm event. It's a beautiful biodynamic working farm but it's a real farm too, nothing boutique about it. Nature red in tooth and claw and all that. I was surprised when several people who first saw it said "Awww, sweet!" and "Isn't that cute?" While painting I had been thinking about these chickens, happily roaming the range and killing bugs and even small animals (apparently they love to eat field mice, baby snakes and voles!) as fast as their greedy beaks would allow, and how they would eventually be food themselves. Just cycle of life thoughts, nothing tragic, but certainly far removed from sweet or cute. I was thrilled when the person who bought it actually shivered and said "Ooh, this one is a bit creepy! Makes you think, doesn't it?" YES! Makes me think it certainly found the right home, this painting. ;-)
19 comments:
Very nice painting, good work! :)
I just love it!
I have to say I bristle a bit when something of mine is tagged "cute."
Only because I really never go for cute. Yes, your painting found the perfect home!
Wonderful work, Nancy!
Very nice painting and great text.
We like to project a lot of cuteness on the animal world.
Only little chicks are cute to me.
Paula
I like this painting very much Nancy.
this is lovely, it's so calming
Fantastic! Great work!!
Have a nice weekend
I like your painting and especially the thoughts you have about the life of chickens. You have a lovely blog here and I will come back for sure.
Beautiful painting!
I love it when paintings go to the right homes! Very nice piece.
This painting is wonderful! lovely colors!
/Pernilla
You have such a beautiful illustration! I have chosen you to have a Stylish blogger award!
Wow! Nancy, I really admire your mastery in oil for many subjects!
Great job, indeed.
Great painting! I love the colours and light. Great story too!
Great post Nancy. Beautiful work.... not cute :o)
Incredible - your artwork and comment really made me think
Nicely done, Nancy. I especially like the coop. I grew up on a farm, and when I read this weeks word, it made me think of the way some of the roosters would have a bit of a mean streak and want to chase my brother and I. So cute wasn't my first impression either.
Hi! I have an award for you! Please visit me, where you may find it and share with other blogging friends!
Thank you everybody!
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