Meet Hooten the Owl

Aug 312006
 

Hooten the OwlIsn’t he wonderful? He has such a annoyed expression there. Hah!

I was roaming around through Union Square one day and I happened upon this find. He was the only one on the shelf and demanded to be brought home.

Gund really does make some wonderful plushes. He’s soft and squishy, yet can stand upright on his own. And the coloring of his “feathers” is well blended. His eyes are clear and open and not covered by “feathers,” as is often the case of owl plushes.

So often it’s hard to find a good plush owl. And this one was a wonderful find. He has a rather dignified attitude about don’t you think?

Have a wonderful day! :)

“Night Visit” by Mark Ryden

Aug 312006
 

Night Visit by Mark RydenI’ve always wanted to learn to paint so I could create cool, creepy images like this one.

This is one of his paintings from his collection entitled Blood: Miniature Paintings of Sorrow & Fear. The collection features ten tiny paintings and each radiates a haunting beauty.

With some, “Wound” for example, it’s shock that registers first, but then you look past that and see the softness of the colors he chooses, creating an almost angelic aura over the horror that is there.

There’s something creepy too about the children all having large heads. It gives them a doll-like innocence, yet dolls can be scary too. And some of them have huge, open, sad eyes, that at times seem too real.

These paintings are well done and enchanting to behold.

His other collections are just as enlightening, but this is the one that speaks to me most.

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And since I love to use artwork as inspiration:

Writing Prompt: What’s the little demon critter in “Night Visit” up to? Bet there’s a fun story in there. Or a poem, or even just some rambling freewrite. Enjoy!