Sunday, February 28, 2010

Survivor

Close ups

Oil on 7x5 hardboard.

The gorilla's expression moved me. It's as if the eyes reveal the thoughts of the Heavenly Creator. Only man can change the their expiration date. It's a contest between greed and honorable action. Sadly, I think I know the eventual winner.

This is my contribution to the WDE at Wet Canvas. Jean contributed the photo which was taken at the Toledo Zoo.

This was painted over black gesso. Love the stuff.

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My Etsy

matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

13 comments:

  1. This is beautiful, Dean. You've truly captured that human look to this gorilla's eyes. An exquisite creature and rendered so beautifully.

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  2. And now I have learnt something new: black gesso! The effect is very dramatic and three-dimensional and bound to serve the great cause!Super work, Dean!

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  3. You have such a gift to inspire a respect and love for all creatures great and small. This is fantastic. I am really drawn in by the eyes and love the way you painted him.

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  4. Nice portrait, Dean. You have been quite prolific recently! Keep up the great work!

    -Don

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  5. I love the eyes too Dean...you did an wonderfully expressive portrait! I, sadly, agree with you...but, I'm glad God wins in the end!! I'm gonna have to get me some of that black gesso!! :)

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  6. As always Dean your work is stunning.
    I like to see the economy of brush stroke in your paintings.
    Less is definately more and it works.
    Best Regards

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  7. Wonderful expression, Dean. The texture in this works so well with his coat. Majestic and moving!

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  8. I learned a lot about these magnificent creatures. They have many characteristics of humans..and here is the best part..the gorillas all "respect" the silver back gorilla. That's how it should be for people too! we should all respect people with silver hair! (like me!) lol. Seriously, it was the silver back gorilla that made me understand that it is silly to color my hair. This is a wonderful painting. You captured the nobility.

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  9. Great portrait, Dean. I think man has been presumptuous caging and killing these animals. Well, don't get me started on how we 'share' the earth with our fellow beings!

    I'm a fan of black gesso, too! I always have a pile of canvases & panels at the ready - mostly I do acrylics over them. They're so fun!

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  10. Wonderful job, my friend. I love the pensive expression.

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  11. another great piece Dean...Love gorillas. They have such intense expressions. You've captured this one's beautifully.

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  12. Deb used the right word...intense. As a wildlife artist, and an admirer of those who are really good at it...this piece is stunning. The expression speaks volumes. I've read and enjoyed Daniel Quinn's Ishmael and My Ishmael, and your gorilla's expression so appropriately illustrates those narratives. Great job, Dean.

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  13. The expression in the gorilla's eyes is so touching. He is saying something almost beseeching.

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