100 Painted Skulls: #43

To celebrate year 5 of Skull-A-Day (June 2011-June 2012) I've decided to paint 100 skulls on 4 x 4in (10.16 x 10.16 cm) wooden panels over the course of the year...

Painting teeth is hard. But it's a fun challenge.


If you'd like to buy this painting you can find it in the Skull-A-Day store HERE.

Dia de la Abby: #70 Skull Mail

Recently, Wenchkin and I decided to trade mail art. She made me this piece, so this is my art for her. It will be mailed off today.

I made this mixed media piece using water color paints, water color pencil, salt, ink, flower images from a gardening magazine, and thread, on water color paper. I wanted to do something reminiscent of the sugar skull and flower styles in past pieces, but with layers of patterns, mediums, and texture. To find out how I made this piece, read the tutorial.

Every other Thursday in the 5.0 year, I will post my own Dia de la Abby creations   Every Thursday in the 4.0 year, I posted my Dia de la Abby creations and occasionally tutorials with instructions on how I made my pieces. Hopefully you feel inspired by my posts just as I was by Noah's Skull-A-Day 1.0 daily project. Need more of me than just a weekly dose, follow me on  Facebook, Google+ and/or Twitter.

Dolly Holmes - “Catacomb”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Dolly Holmes - “Catacomb” $250.00

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information on if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Overexposure Skull

Denis Ricardo of Overexposure said "This is my second attempt at a 365, because of some unfortunate accidents happening last attempt, but i am back with a vengeance, and apparently, skulls! This year, it's more than photography and videography, or I at least plan on it being more than that. I want to draw, write, paint, but it will all be documented as a video or photo."

Having finished a 365 project myself, I can understand how difficult it is to stay on track when other things in your life get in the way. I'm glad that Denis (and a few others) are trying again and changing up how they do a 365 project. It's a challenge to do something creative daily, when you might not be feeling very creative or have other things going on that need your attention. Sometimes even just doodling can be enough of a creative jolt a day. I'm try to do something creative every day, so I can learn to be more focused on completing projects before starting new ones. I won't be documenting my creative adventures, because no one needs to know when video games seemed like a better idea for the day...

Crânes en provenance du Sud de la France

(Skulls from the South of France)

Dav from Toulouse, in the south of France shared: “Like you, I'm also a skulls' addict, I paint lots of skulls in the streets of my town, and also take pics of the ones painted by my friends that I regularly put on the photo-blog about Toulouse's street art. This is a piece I created.”


In October 2011 Dav piece “Vanités” was featured in the “cabinet des curiosités” exhibition a group show with 21 artists from Toulouse, including many pieces featuring skulls!

Half-Way C says:

I am connecting with your “Vanités” piece. I enjoy seeing your collection of found objects that you shaped into skulls. Helping everyday objects find their inner skull are some of my favorite posts here. Since graffiti is illegal in most locations lets just say that wall piece was done with charcoal or some other non-permanent medium. *Kids if you reading this at home don't create art on other people's property without their permission.* Thank you Dav for sharing your pieces with us, and for sharing your blog about Toulouse's street art for us to check out.

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition”

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition” $175.00

The skull created for the exhibit is to showcase Corn and how much it has infiltrated into our society. The skull showcases what corn derivatives are in the air (invisible), in our food (hidden, citric acid, ascorbic acid, polysorbate 60 and 80) and our hygiene products (vitamin E, Glycerine, Acetal Alcohol). Anything we may purchase will most likely contain corn or a corn derivative.

CornFreedom.com was started to help gain understanding and awareness to a serious problem of corn intolerance which can cause many different reactions, from typical allergy responses to more serious Neurological shifts. These reactions can show up anywhere from 5 minutes after the exposure to a day after and discomfort can last up to 8 days.

Due to Corn not being one of the top recognized allergens, the majority of medical professionals do not realize that the majority of emergency medications, operating room medicines, hospital stay medications, and prescribed medications as well as over the counter medications all contain forms of corn in them unless specifically removed. For example, corn starch is the top ingredient in almost all over the counter medications; look in your medicine cabinet read the inactive ingredients.

Ms. Jurain asks you to show your support and like them on the Facebook Corn Freedom page.

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

CONTEST REMINDER: Win a Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirt ENDS TODAY!

THE CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating! 

Don't forget to enter to win a Calaca T-Shirt made by Wenchkin. You have until Midnight EST TONIGHT to enter! Enter Here!

Close up of image

Full t-shirt, size Large

Of course, you don't have to wait till the end of the contest to get your own Wenchkin creation, visit her shop to purchase one of her Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirts.

Jud Turner- “Skull (Destroying to Create)”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Jud Turner- “Skull (Destroying to Create)” $200.00

Jud Turner received training in drawing and painting at the University of Oregon, under Professor Ron Graff and the late Professor Frank Okada, both renowned artists and educators. In the early 1990's, he transitioned to sculptural works as his main artistic output, focusing on direct welded steel work and found object assemblages.

Currently, Jud lives and works in Eugene, OR with his beautiful wife, Melissa, and 3 cats. He spend as much time as possible welding, working, and laughing.

To see more on the process of creating this piece for the exhibit please visit HERE.


For information on purchasing this work please contact the exhibit curator at:

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Kostov's Skull

Ivailo Kostov makes our day a little more menacing with this devious looking "skullpture".



I don't know what it's made of, but I do like the way it appears ancient and old, yet modern and mechanical. It's definitely something that belongs in a sci-fi movie. Thanks for sharing, Ivailo!

Iron Skulls

Ben Marcacci submitted this piece. He said "I'm a contractor in Afghanistan. I work on my skulls on my lunch. Here's one. Its 100% scrap iron,with razor wire roses."

This piece in it's setting speaks to how dangerous it is being in Afghanistan. Against a background of barbed wire, military buildings, sand, and helicopters, it stands as a warning to new entries and memorial to those who have died in this dangerous pursuit. The cross in it's self is beautifully made. Here's hoping that one day, they will all get to come home.

CONTEST REMINDER: Win a Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirt!

THE CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating! 


Don't forget to enter to win a Calaca T-Shirt made by Wenchkin. You have until Midnight EST on Wednesday to enter! Enter Here!

Close up of image

Full t-shirt, size Large

Of course, you don't have to wait till the end of the contest to get your own Wenchkin creation, visit her shop to purchase one of her Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirts.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 5.34

Today's skulls were found in various places.

Thatcher Molotov said found this skull made from a tennis ball his dog chewed.

Jeff Osgood from Niwot, Colorado found this skull on a grocery bag.

Daniel Muñoz from Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, said "One day, I saw this particular skull in a neighbour's roof."

Keep sending those pictures in to our submissions address. Just keep in mind that since we only post simulacra once a week it might take a little longer than normal for it to be posted.

Sedan Grill Skull

Norm Mulone of New Orleans, La shows us his "attempt to individualize my common ride". Perhaps this is the beginning of a new "Skull My Ride" trend.





Like an good logo, it's simple yet stylish and totally recognizable. Hmmm, "Skull My Ride" sounds like it would be a HUGE hit if any networks wanted to produce it. You know where to reach me. Thanks for showing us your grill, Norm!

Mammoth Skull

Skull-A-Day friend Jud Turner recently completed this “Mammoth” piece.

Jud told us: “My life-sized Columbia Mammoth, made from 95% recycled materials (mostly farm equipment) was just installed in the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center. It was commissioned by Pacific Studio, and is over 14 feet tall and 20 feet long. You can see more photos of the piece HERE: ”


Unfrozen C says:

It is always a pleasure to see the work that is created using recycled items. I find it fascinating to look at all the different components that make up this particular piece and try to imagine what their original purpose was for. Thank you for continuing to be a friend of the Skull-A-Day community and your past support of our work.

Since it is Friday be sure to flashback to some of Jud’s other featured work HERE.

Eric Collins - “What's Inside”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Eric Collins - “What's Inside” $250.00

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information on if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

CONTEST: Win a Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirt!

THE CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating! 

Wenchkin is a "self trained artist and New Mexico resident whose work has been heavily influenced by Dia de los Muertos, underground and pop art." She would like to share her love of art by giving away a large Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirt to one lucky Skull-A-Day fan!

Close up of image

Full t-shirt, size large

Wenchkin explains how she came about her style of art. "In her 7th grade art class, she was told 'nothing came with a fat black outline around it, and now, 15 years later, it is a defining element of her style. She clearly has a fixation on skulls, but her artwork is also known for bringing a bit of lightness, humor and color to darker subjects. Wenchkin creates original, one of a kind acrylic paintings, custom muerto illustration portraits and modifies various toys and objects." You can see more of her artwork on her Google + and Facebook pages.

Since Wenchkin turns photos into skullified illustration portraits, to be entered into the contest just leave a comment saying how you would skullify yourself.

[NOTE: If you're reading this on Facebook or Google+ be sure to leave your comment on the original Skull-A-Day.com post if you want to be actually entered in the contest]


IMPORTANT: Don't forget to include a way to contact you (either an e-mail in the post OR make sure your Blogger profile has a working e-mail link for you on it). Entries are only valid with this information.



You have until just Midnight Eastern Time Wednesday, January 25th  to enter so don't delay!

NOTE: Wenchkin will pay for shipping to the winner.

Of course, you don't have to wait till the end of the contest to get your own Wenchkin creation, visit her shop to purchase one of her Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirts.

Skull Tattoos

These colorful skull tattoos were done by "Timm McKenny, Jason Solomon, and Eric Solomon from Addictive tattoo in Sioux City, IA at Addictive Tattoo.

The Blue Pig skull reaper was done by Timm McKenny.

The Multi colored human skull was also done by Timm McKenny.

The black and grey sugar skull was done by Eric Solomon

The color sugar skull was done by Jason Solomon.

At least 3 of the 4 of us Skull-A-Day crew have one or more skull tattoos. When I see the artists send us photos of their tattoo work, it gets me thinking about new pieces. I like seeing the various styles of a fairly common tattoo motif. The style is what personalizes it for the wearer. Obviously getting tattooed is a big commitment, so finding a design that suits you is very important. For us, I think we all either had them (or in my case planned on getting one) before we ever met, and now it's one way we show our solidarity. It's a long term way of showing our love of skulls.

Old & School Project Skull

Chad Hoffman from Massachusetts sent us a pair of submissions.

Chad said: “This first skull was done by my 9 year old. A school art project he picked. I think its pretty cool so I wanted to share it.”


He went on to say: “This second one's story is, I had this real ‘nice’ winter car... so I decided to hit up the rust with neon green and a stencil from you at Skull-A-Day.”


Oxidized C says:

That is a awesome school project. Thank you for being a fan of the site and thinking of us. We always love to see the creations from our youngest members as well as seeing how items from the Original 365.25 continue to have their voice in our everyday lives.

Barry Bruner- “Bad Things”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Barry Bruner- “Bad Things”

Barry Bruner- “Bad Things” $250.00

Originally from Virginia Beach, Barry Bruner spent most of his adult life in Richmond, Virginia. Over the years he received a lot of inspiration from his family who are also talented artists in one way or another (gallery art, animation, illustration and furniture design). As of 2011 Barry now lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Brooklyn, NY.


Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Tuesdays With Tatman #55 - Skeleton Glass Etchings

I guess this should technically be called Tuesday with 'Tatmen' considering I have a guest artist to feature with me today. This all started with tattoo artist Ashraf El-Masry contacting me about my glass etchings. After some friendly chats we decided to step up our collective etching "game" and arrange an art swap of sorts. The decision was made to choose a piece from Hans Holbein's "Dance of Death" woodcut series that features skeletons as death in every image. We agreed to use regular 8" x 10" picture frame glass and here are the results:

I chose to do the "Soldier" as a tribute to my brother-in-law who is currently stationed in Afghanistan.



Ashraf selected the "Astrologer". I'm assuming he did this because he foresaw that this would be a great idea with rewarding results.



I have to give a big shout out to my etching brother for his "friendly challenge" that got me motivated to break out and try something new. That's a big part of our motto here on Skull-A-Day and we love being able to spread that creativity bug that brings us so many great pieces of skull art to share with all of you. Thanks, Brother!

Matthew Lively- “Untitled”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Matthew Lively- “Untitled” $200.00

Matt Lively has exhibited nationally and internationally since graduating Virginia Commonwealth University's sculpture department in '93. He works in a 130 year old barn in the middle of nowhere.

For information on purchasing this work please contact the exhibit curator at:

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Cthulu? Skull

Painting skulls has been a sort of salvation for Dave Titus, and who of us can blame him for it. He delves inside himself to paint skulls, this one with a hint of Cthulu?, maybe?



And he also adds his name to the stencil gang with this styling of the Skull Master's 319. Two-Part Stencil Skull.



I know that my meager skull art is a form of meditation for me as well so I'm sure we all feel a sense of peace when we're creating these symbols of death. Kind of eerie, or just human? Thanks, Dave!

Skull of Adam

Raye Mayo submitted her "latest skull painting, 'Adam.' Mixed media on board."

Most of you are probably familiar with the tale of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve tempted Adam into eating an apple from the tree of knowledge. Because of that act, they were both cast out of the garden by God. I suspect with the addition of the apple, and title of this piece, this is about that story. Creation stories exist in all religions. They have similarities. Some seem plausible and others seem more fantasy than reality. Regardless, they are meant to entertain us with stories of how life on Earth was created, because none of us truly know.

100 Painted Skulls: #42

 To celebrate year 5 of Skull-A-Day (June 2011-June 2012) I've decided to paint 100 skulls on 4 x 4in (10.16 x 10.16 cm) wooden panels over the course of the year... 

I figured it was time to get back to the watercolor style painting technique, which shows the wood-grain of the panel. I'm still using the same acrylic paints I use on the others pieces in this project, I just thin them out with water. 

If you'd like to own this piece, you can buy it in the Skull-A-Day store HERE.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 5.33

Today's skulls are metal...

The great skull finder, Tom Adams, found these two skull on "both ends of a Ford engine oil pick-up screen."

Henry Ryder found this "USB looking more like a monster than usual."

Keep sending those pictures in to our submissions address. Just keep in mind that since we only post simulacra once a week it might take a little longer than normal for it to be posted.