MY REACTION:  Visually, this is an odd painting.  But it has grown on me as the odd ones often do.  It is challenging.  The hues and lines.  The way those shapes snag the edges of the panel.  It is a sharp painting.  With boney elbows.  I always like the gangly ones, though.  This one has TONS of interesting surprises.  Bits of color under color.  The subjects are purposefully scrubby.  If you prefer refined details, this is not the painting for you.  I wanted this one raw and rough.

Oh, and as usual, I am most excited about the space between the spaces.  Isn't the divide between these two delicious?

CONTENT:  In American politics, Democrats are often represented as donkeys and Republicans are often elephants.  And too often Democrats get a bit high and mighty and righteously claim they are wiser on all things.  Republicans too often rely on ripping opponents apart and laughing at the remains.  Of course it is as equally ludicrous to suggest that one is always right as it is to suggest one's opponent is always wrong.  That is why I watch debates and interviews with a keen eye for the rare politician who can respectfully recognize strengths in his opponent.  And humbly acknowledge his own weaknesses, too.  That kind of leader truly builds bridges and leads folks to more peaceful solutions.

One more thing, I do not think this piece is limited to an American audience.  Politicians are politicians the world around.  And I actually think the ideas here apply as much to me and other regular folks as much as they do to politics.  I LOVE to assume I am always right.  Almost as much as I love to assume they are always wrong.  So this odd painting is a nice reminder for all of us to see how ludicrous we can be.  And to watch for the interesting spaces between us.

ARTISTIC CONCERNS:  This is a traditional brush painting.  There is a slight flaw in the canvas running through the right side of the elephant's face.  Unfortunately, I did not notice this until I had completed too much of the painting to quit.  There is no fix for this, but I can tell you it is much less noticeable in person and really does not detract given the raw aspects to this painting.  I mention it only so my perfectionist friends are not distraught to discover it.  :)

One interesting technical note:  That white you see around the windows?  That is raw canvas.  Probably the only time you will find raw canvas in the 2,000+ paintings I have created.  I primed the two "windows" here with black acrylic gesso and then built the piece up from there.  Leaving just those teeny irregular peaks at the white canvas base below.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:  This piece is on a rigid canvas panel.  It can be easily and affordably framed as it requires no matting or glass.  It could also be displayed unframed on a small display easel.

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