ABOUT THIS PIECE:  I have long admired self-taught artists for the freedom of their expressions.  The energy I see in their work.  The exuberance and lack of inhibition.  I have been working towards that aim for some time now and I think the recent painting I completed title Dreaming Trees was a step closer to how I want to express myself as an artist.  I appreciate my education, but I want to get past it.  To get back to the pure joy I felt as a child when I had new art supplies and time to myself.  This fun drawing is a step in that direction for me.

I love how the different layers of color show through around the edges of the bat.  And those strong bold colors feel powerful to me.  Like medicine that works.

Bats often appeared in Native American spiritual lore as symbols of rebirth and renewal.  Perhaps because they sleep hanging upside down in a position similar to a baby in the womb.  Bats have always been important to me.  Good charms to have around.  I am especially fond of them lately as I feel my life changing, a new era beginning.

This bat and I are both apprehensive about change but we know it will be good in the end.

I hope this colorful expressive drawing brings you joy and comfort as you contemplate change or rebirth.

HOW IT WAS MADE:  I have been working in oil pastels for many years now and have learned different techniques for layering colors.  Each piece takes hand cramping concentration and lots of elbow grease, but I absolutely love the results.  Oil pastels are one of my favorite media to work in.