Rabbits abound

Another jack rabbit painting found a home this weekend.  The best part about its new home is that I will get to see it again, because it doesn't live too far from us here in Joshua Tree.  That is happy news! 

"Black Tailed Ck," Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches.  ©Karine Swenson2011

It has been a challenge to be in the studio after being away for so long.  I am having trouble re-connecting with my work in the same way.  It's not surprising.  I have been to a foreign country and seen all kinds of new things.  Life has shifted.  Enough has changed that my work must change with it.  Of course, that kind of transition is never without feelings of confusion.  Maybe even a little frustration.  It may take awhile for my art to reflect the shift.  One must first absorb new experiences before that information is integrated into art.  We shall see what becomes of it all.

In the meantime, I have been experimenting with ideas that came from my art journal.  (For those of you who don't know what that is, my art journal is a place where I write, draw, collage AND paint.  I allow it to be a free platform for play and experimentation.  I don't work in it that often, but I do pull it out from time to time and glue, write, and basically make a mess.)  The first two paintings from the art journal explorations were completed last week.  They are a mix of collage, acrylic, gesso and various other markers and paper.  On board. 

Music to my Ears, mixed media on board, 12 x 9 inches.  ©Karine Swenson 2011

"Those Ears," mixed media on board, 14 x 11 inches.  ©Karine Swenson 2011

So many rabbit paintings!  I blame it on the proliferation of rabbits in our yard.  They are abundant this year.  Do they know this is their year?  I wonder.