These two paintings were part of a small collection of animal paintings I did. Very heavily influenced by Tonalism, a movement that emerged in the 1880s. Works that fell under that umbrella of style were painted with an overall tone of colored atmosphere.
There were a lot of really interesting artists that were grouped into this art movement such as George Innes and James McNeil Whistler. My personal favorite was Albert Pinkham Ryder, his work is more stylized with a very grim and haunting look. I was excited to see some of his original pieces at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art a number of years ago!
When I was young I used to get so excited about hunting season. The crisp fall air, camping with my Dad. Now I find myself releasing every fish i catch… I love animals the idea of hunting has lost the magic. I have always loved animals but the way we humans absolutely eat this planet so much worst then hunting. I cherish wildlife and it is truly one of my great joys. This is painting is a few years old but appropriate for the season.
Since I was a child I have always had an interest in skulls. I used to collect them and prize each skull I came across in my wanderings. At a certain point that sort of behavior becomes a bit “odd”. Luckily all of my interests were odd so it blended seamlessly into the patchwork.
brian sostrom 