I was extremely disturbed when I saw this.  I can't imagine how that poor creature must have felt to be held down while a human forcibly etched out "Trump" on this manatees back.  And for what purpose?  To make a political point...on a wild animal?  The entitlement to think that in any way this was okay is honestly disgusting and deplorable.  This is a protected animal, with it's numbers decreasing in the wild, and they already have to endure being struck by propellers on a constant basis as humans inhabit their space.  Hopefully the person(s) will be found and punished to the fullest extent of the law, and let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks that animals are a political prop to be abused in such a way....it.is.not.okay. 

"The Center for Biological Diversity today announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in an incident involving a threatened Florida manatee in north Florida’s Homosassa River. A statement issued late today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that someone apparently scratched the word TRUMP into algae on the animal's back." (Source: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/5000-reward-offered-for-info-on-trump-carved-into-florida-manatees-back-2021-01-11/)

​I've always had a fascination with these beautiful gentle giants, and just a few weeks ago my daughter and I were running along a marina when we spotted two adults and a baby feeding right at the docks edge.  We watched them in awe for awhile as they weren't bothered by all the humans enjoying their beautiful presence, as they peacefully grazed on sea grass.  To think that someone would intentionally cause distress, or harm, to one of these amazing creatures is upsetting to even think about.  We are wards of this planet, and all the animals on it, we should be protecting them, not abusing them.

After this incident I felt moved to create a manatee painting to bring attention to this amazing creature and to just let them be, they are not here for us to use in any way shape or form.  They do not cause us harm, so let us do the same for them and provide a safe environment for them to flourish in.

In Keeping with my efforts to minimize my carbon footstep and live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle I've started using Canson recyclyed Bristol Paper.  "Gentle Giant" is created on their 19"x24" paper and the original painting is offered for sale HERE. 

 15% of the sale of this painting "Gentle Giant" will be donated to the Global Wildlife Conservation, an organization I have collaborated with, and contributed to in the past, to help “conserve the diversity of life on Earth

​A lot of my art in 2021 is going to be centered around conservation and bringing attention to the plight of our planet, and to the endangerment of species around the world.  I’ve always had a love for nature and animals as far back as I can remember, and seeing what is currently happening with climate change, human impact, and so many living species going extinct (estimates conclude that species go extinct every  day) I want to use my art as a voice to help in any way I can.

​I’ve been painting these color study style paintings starting last year, and love creating them, but wanted to make them more than just a simple abstract, and one day while riding my bike, it hit me, why not add in a little animal icon to make more of an impact?!  This is my first go at it, and I decided to add in a sweet little Koala as they have been in the news a lot lately due to the devastating Australian wildfires of 2020, where so many of these little creatures lost their homes, habitats and lives.  Even though Koalas are currently not considered endangered, they are vulnerable, which is one step before endangerment status.  Knowing this, we have the opportunity to help prevent them ever reaching endangered status…why wait until it’s too late.

​The main threat to the existence of Koalas is:
Loss of Habitat:
Clearing of the land for expansion of human settlement, for example, for agriculture, housing, mining, forestry, shops, factories and roads. While humans need these modern conveniences, we should be trying to put them in places where Koalas and other wildlife are not already living, and to think of other solutions to the problems of modern life, such as improving public transport. Click here for more information on Koala habitat.
Clearing of the eucalypt forests means that all wildlife, including Koalas, will suffer from:

• loss of habitat
• increased disturbance by humans
• injury or death from traffic
• injury or death from dogs and cats
• effects of garden pesticides getting into waterways
• increased competition for food and territory because of overcrowding
• increased stress on animals, making them more susceptible to disease.

(source: https://www.savethekoala.com/about-koalas/threats-koala)
​
Finding ways to help prevent the loss of habitat, and in turn, the extinction of Koalas in the wild, not only will save the species, but can help us to study ways to help other species before they ever get close to being endangered or going extinct.  There is hope for Koalas as people and organizations work towards preserving land for their continued existence.  As wards of this planet, it is our duty to protect it, and all living creatures, big and small.  We are the sentient, intelligent beings here, we need to preserve that which provides us life…our planet.  Even though I don't live in Australia, I can still do my part by discussing the issue, the need for assistance and change, and by donating to worthy causes that work towards saving our planet and it's inhabitants.

15% of the sale of this painting "World on Fire" will be donated to the Global Wildlife Conservation, an organization I have collaborated with, and contributed to in the past, to help “conserve the diversity of life on Earth”. 

Black Friday SALE at MADART Studios - 50% Off EVERYTHING, including SALE items!!
 
Take 50% off at checkout using code:  blackfriday50
 
Code is valid through December 1st 
If you want to keep up to date on all my newest art and creations, I share everything on my Instagram @MADArtStudios

Stay safe, healthy and inspired! ​

​MAD Doodles are already crazy priced at only $49, and now with the 50% off they are ONLY $24.50 including shipping! Use code: blackfriday50 at checkout

For years I would create a new calendar comprised from my Circle of Life collection of bright, colorful landscape paintings.  But, I've been slacking, I will admit it, and haven't created one for a few years, but I'm back at it and just released the 2021 calendar with all new designs!

The great thing about these calendars is you don't have to dispose of them once the year is over, you can continue to display the calendar as art, or even remove the art pages from the calendar and frame them to enjoy for years to come.  Knowing this I'm going to make a point of creating each new calendar with never before used art so you have the option to use the art in different ways for displaying in your home or office.

For those who may not know, my Circle of Life collection is one of my post popular series I have ever created.  The paintings are always super colorful, using rich, vibrant shades of every color imaginable, and always feature the black silhouette of a tree, surrounded by floating circles in various sizes and colors.  My inspiration for this colorful and whimsical series comes from living life to it’s fullest and repeatedly seeing how the good and bad in life always come full circle. Gustav Klimt is another inspiring force behind my use of circles and other shapes in my paintings. His ability to take unrelated shapes and interpose them to create a painting of beauty and mastery is enthralling and inspirational.

“The nature of God is a circle of which the center is everywhere and the circumference is nowhere.”  ~  Empedocles

It's that time of year!  We start looking for the perfect Christmas decorations and want to add something unique and fun to our tree to commemorate each year, and well 2020 is no exception, and even though I think many of us would like to erase it from our memory, haha, it will always be a stand out year for many reasons.  So, why not add something special like a handpainted original Christmas tree art ornament to remember 2020!  

Many of the ornaments that have been created so far can also be customized on one side such as the one above with the date.  I can also add a name or anything that would fit in a 3" wide space on the heart shape.  To see all of the fun, whimsical and colorful Christmas art ornaments from the Queen of Hearts...ME!  visit www.madartdesigns.com