Peccator Skull

Gurt Swanenberg, from The Hague, Holland, is "working on a project that depicts a modern version of the classic theme "Seven sins". I'm handpainting skulls or skeletons of animals or humans that symbolize a sin in iconographic art. The skulls are painted with modern day brands that refer to the sin." This piece is titled, "Peccator". I like the juxtaposition of skull and logos from consumer goods. This is an unusual way to use skulls in artwork, but reflects the death of our independent society when we're buried in mass consumerism. You can see more of this collection, on his website.

We want to share your skull art! Be a part of the Skull-A-Day project. Details are HERE.

Skull with Antlers

Rachel Quinlivan, from Alabama, created this oil on acrylic painting of a skull with antlers in a bed of flowers. This time of year, makes me think of reindeer, so this skull with antlers seemed fitting to share now. The face is covered by the plentiful flowers, so I can only imagine that it's non-human. However, perhaps it's some poor soul who's end was met while wearing festive antlers. Either way, it's a great painting. You can find more of Rachel's work (including some fossils and more skulls) on her Facebook page.

Skull Painting From Dad

Henry Chavez must be one heck of a Dad. We've had the pleasure of presenting this skeleton couple painting that he did for one daughter and now he's here again with a gift for a different daughter.

What a wonderful Dad to give the gift of skulls.  Not only is the painting great, it's capped off with a nice bone carved frame.  I think I know one Dad who deserves some new paints this June 16th.  Thanks for the great work, Henry, and thanks again for sharing it, Kristina!

Shadow Series Skull

Artist Richelle told us: " This oil on canvas piece from my Shadows Series called 'Talisman' was done to show the bright side of the dark side."

Sunny C says:

I love that this skull has eyebrows, we don't get to see eyebrows on skulls too often. Perhaps this is the lighter side that we need to see more of in the future. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

Coronation of the Skeletons

Wolfgang Sangmeister from Hamburg is back. He created "this painting is 140 x 100 cm acrylics on canvas after the oil painting from Velázques."

I wasn't familiar with the painting inspiration, so I searched for it. It is "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Diego Velázques. If you are familiar with Christian iconography, you will probably recognize Mary in the center, with God to the right, and Jesus to the left. The little skulls at the bottom are the cherubs in the original. I'm not big on religious paintings, so of course I prefer the skull version. It's remarkable how similar the two paintings are. Wolfgang's version is simply beautiful.