Friday, December 11, 2015

ALPACA ~ oil on canvas portrait
























ALPACA by © Karrel Christopher
Original oil on canvas painting ~ 9"x 12" inches
~ available for purchase ~ http://karrelchristopher.com/

An alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American camelid. It resembles a small llama in appearance. There are two breeds of alpaca; the Suri alpaca and the Huacaya alpaca. Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Chile at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,500 ft) to 5,000 m (16,000 ft) above sea level, throughout the year. Alpacas are considerably smaller than llamas, and unlike llamas, they were not bred to be beasts of burden, but were bred specifically for their fiber. ~ Wikipedia

Animals our not ours to use ~ they exist for their own reasons. Please recognize that all beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE.  Please choose wool-free products that don't exploit  and harm animals.  
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for all beings. Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~ Live and PEACE  ART website: Animals http://karrelchristopher.com/animal-portraits.html 
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/?fref=ts

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Best Friends: Saanen & Toggenburg Goats























Best Friends: Saanen & Toggenburg Goats 
oil on canvas painting ~ by artist © Karrel Christopher 
56.5 x 56.5 cm / 22.25 x 22.25 inches
A few years ago I had the pleasure of getting to know a group of 16 wonderful goats while volunteering at a kids farm.  Each of them beautiful, kind and affectionate. There was little information about their history. Most were probably retired dairy goats. As babies their horn buds had been burnt out and soon after plastic tags were punched into their tender ears. They endured many pregnancies to keep them producing milk, had their children stolen from them (girls to later be enslaved for dairy, boys murdered for meat) and would have been milked two times a day until their productivity dropped. Some does find placement at hobby farms or petting zoos, but sadly most end up at the butcher. These girls and their other herd mates were fortunate to live!  Though existence at a kids farm is far from ideal, their minimum basic needs were met and they enjoyed loving relationships with the other animal residents and the some of caring volunteers who cherished them.  Getting to know them was a pleasure and a life changing experience.  I discovered how truly at home I feel with these smart, fascinating and adoring Caprine members of our Earth Family. These two ladies expressed so much joy - spending most of their time together. In this painting I wish to celebrate their special friendship and portray them respectfully with ear tags removed.
Please recognize that all beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE.  Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for all beings.
Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~ Live and PEACE 
ART website: Animals http://karrelchristopher.com/animal-portraits.html 
For the Love of Goats: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.827374347274003.1073741827.379579508720158&type=3

Monday, September 28, 2015

Turkey Hen Oil Painting
























Turkey Hen "Rose-a-Doodle
oil on board painting by © Karrel Christopher
created for Piebird Vegan Farm Sanctuary
8" x 10" designed for oval frame 
Another painting honoring our feathered friends...and a reminder that these wonderful, feeling beings are part of our Earth Family (NOT food or product).
The delightful "Rose-a-Doodle" was rescued by the good folks at Piebird.  She is lovingly provided for - so she may live her life in peace - with dignity and respect.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE.
Create a world respectful, safe and joyous for everyone.
Please ~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~  
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Meet the lovely beings at PIEBIRD: http://www.piebird.ca/sanctuary/

Beak to beak, with turkey-friend Rose-a-Doodle 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Turkey Portrait "FERNANDO"
























"Fernando"~ Turkey Tom portrait
created for Piebird Vegan Farm Sanctuary
by © Karrel Christopher ~ oil on board
28  x  35 cm / 11" x 13 3/4" inches
A painting honoring our feathered friends...and a reminder that these wonderful, feeling beings are part of our Earth Family (NOT food or product). 
The regal "Fernando" was rescued by the good folks at Piebird.  He is lovingly provided for - so he may live his life in peace - with dignity and respect.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE.
Create a world respectful, safe and joyous for everyone.
Please ~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~  
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Meet the lovely beings at PIEBIRD: http://www.piebird.ca/sanctuary/

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

CALF ~ Safe with Mom & Dad ~ oil painting


















CALF ~ Safe with Mom & Dad
by artist © Karrel Christopher
18" x 24" inches ~ original oil on canvas painting

Creating this painting was very emotional for me. I wanted to show the world the beauty, innocence and vulnerability of this young calf and the comfort he feels with his family and herd. After witnessing so many mothers and babies betrayed by the dairy and meat industries; for me it is healing to celebrate the tenderness of this family together - safe and content - as they all should be.  Can you imagine anything worse that the cries of a mother whose child has been stolen from her --so people can steal her milk and raise her children for slaughter? -- and the terrifying confusion for the baby, the loneliness, sadness and desperation of yearning for his mother's comfort, love and nourishment?!  Let us consistently uphold genuine family values that honor all families - of all sentient species.  May they all be free from slavery, exploitation, abuse and murder. Please remember that all beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE.  
Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN.  Live in PEACE.
Create a beautiful world ~ respectful, safe and joyous for everyone!
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158?fref=ts
Karrel's Creative Path Blog: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
~ Available for purchase ~ contact Karrel for details
Thank you for your support.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

TULIPS 4 ~ oil painting























TULIPS 4 ~ by artist © Karrel Christopher
Vivid red tulips rejoicing in springtime ~ set off by a fun, energized background with a contemporary twist.  
Can you feel the energy?!
Original oil on board painting  
50  x 50 cm / 19.68" x 19.68" inches
~ available for purchase

ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Karrel's Creative Path Blog: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

A Celebration of Red Tulips: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.980894371921999.1073741829.379579508720158&type=3

Friday, August 7, 2015

Kunekune Pigs ~ original oil painting


















KUNEKUNE PIGS 
by artist © Karrel Christopher
original oil on canvas painting ~ 24" x 30" inches
~ ~ available for purchase ~~
A loving portrait of the first pigs I ever met.  Getting to know these sweet beings has been such a wonderful learning experience.  The qualities of their personalities and emotions are truly endearing.  As an ethical vegan, my desire is to show them to the world as feeling individuals who cherish life! They are painted without ear tags as a gesture of respect - for no being should be considered property...no being should be exploited and murdered.
Let us create a world safe and joyous for our Earth Family.
Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN 
 
The kunekune  (ˈkuːnɪkuːnɪ ) is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekune are hairy, with a rotund build and some may bear wattles hanging from their lower jaws.

ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Karrel's Creative Path Blog: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158 
 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Dreams of Sweet Clover ~ Holstein Friesian Cow























COW I ~ "Dreams of Sweet Clover"
Oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
measures 23.5'' x 23.5'' inches / 60 x 60 cm 
A portrait of Holstein Friesian Cow.  
She is the first cow I met up close and personal.
She was so curious, trusting and affectionate. After spotting me by the road side, she came right over to me and sniffed me with great interest.  As I looked into her sweet brown eyes, she surprised me with a kiss.  We spent a fascinating afternoon together, where in her own special way she introduced me to the rest of her herd.  Connecting with those gentle giants was a moving and unforgettable experience. 
In this painting I wanted to celebrate her feminine energy, her sweetness and longing for freedom.  I portray her with her property tags removed...as a gesture of respect.

My desire is that people will feel inspired get to know and better understand cows...treating them with respect, kindness and compassion. They are NOT "livestock", product, dairy, meat and leather for our use or profit.  They are extraordinary beings ~ who live for their own reasons ~ and should be free from slavery, exploitation, cruelty and murder.  Please, let them live in peace.

ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

Thursday, June 11, 2015

SHEEP "Before the Shearing" oil painting


















SHEEP "Before the Shearing"
Oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher
measures 18" x 24" inches 
A tender portrait of sheep - conveying their emotions before the ordeal of shearing day.
On this spring day the feelings of bewilderment, confusion, panic, fear and dread fill the air.  Sadly, throughout history, humans have bred these beautiful animals to be wool and meat slaves.  Most have lost their ability to shed naturally with the seasons and the summer heat becomes unbearable with an extra heavy fur coat.  The tedious transport, rough handling, razor burns, cuts and gashes are very stressful for these gentle and sensitive beings. Many ewes have recently given birth and are still nursing.  Weather can change quickly and shorn sheep are naked to the elements...sun, wind, rain and cold spells. Most never have the option of shelter or medical care for their injuries.
My desire is that people will get to know and better understand sheep...treating them with respect, kindness and compassion. They are NOT "livestock" for our use or profit.
They are extraordinary beings ~ who live for their own reasons ~ and should be free from slavery, exploitation and murder.  Please, let them live in peace.

ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

Detail from SHEEP ~ © Karrel Christopher
















Detail from SHEEP ~ © Karrel Christopher



Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The Healing ~ Horse Series Oil Painting



















~ THE HEALING ~ by © Karrel Christopher
Original oil on board painting ~ measures 33 x 40 cm
...continuing with my HORSE Series, celebrating the beauty, spirit and tenderness of majestic equines. Despite their large size, horses often communicate in a most delicate, gentle manner...a soft nudge, subtle eye contact...sharing breath...day dreaming ...transcending space and time...they become one with the universal music.
May we always show them respect and kindness.
Create new compassionate traditions of non-use...allowing them dignity, freedom and long happy lives. All animals have so much to teach us about love and life...strength and tenderness.
They are part of our magnificent Earth Family.
Let us always lovingly protect them.

~ Please feel welcome to message me for purchasing details.
International shipping available. ~ Thank you for your support
ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

~ all images property of © Karrel Christopher
please share courteously with credit and links
~ Thank you ~

HORSE series: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/…
Karrel's Creative Path ~ Blogspot: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
FILM: THE PATH OF THE HORSE - Full Length documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQUMAJCh1fA
'The Path of the Horse' documentary explores the future of horse-human relationships. Join former horse trainer Stormy May as she travels the world to interview today's leading horsemanship teachers and visionaries; Alexander Nevzorov, Klaus Hempfling, Linda Kohanov, Mark Rashid, Carolyn Resnick, and equine artist Kim McElroy.
~~ My relationship with horses has been on the ground...just being with them...with RESPECT, LOVE and COMPASSION.
>>> Please watch this very important documentary <<<
May we shift our attitudes from that of use, ownership and control.... to that of respectful, loving, compassionate RELATIONSHIP.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

HOODED GULL on DREAMY WATERS


















HOODED GULL on DREAMY WATERS
original painting by © Karrel Christopher
70 x 90 cm   oil on canvas - available
Website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158?fref=photo

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Spring TULIPS ~ 3 original oil paintings

A celebration of RED TULIPS
by artist Karrel Christopher
TULIP I
oil on canvas board
11"x 14" inches











TULIPS II
oil on canvas
20" x 16" inches
TULIPS III
oil on canvas
24" x 20" inches











Bring the glory of nature's beauty into your home or office.
Original Oil Paintings available for sale.
International shipping available.
Contact Karrel for details at:
ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/

Saturday, April 11, 2015

BEAR & OWLS ~ oil painting on Frame Drum






















BEAR with Barn & Snowy Owls
Hand painted on 14" non-leather Remo Frame Drum
~ by © Karrel Christopher
A special commission for a gentleman who leads international drum ceremonies and offers sound healing consultations.

Painting on *non*leather drums is one of the ways that I celebrate the marriage of color, design, nature, sound and spirit.
Remo's drums are known for their great tone, reliable quality and durability -- performing well in various humidity and temperatures.
My hand painted designs are created to compliment nature's beauty at your favorite drum circles, special ceremonies, resonate in your meditation space or simply add nature's grace to your home or office.
~ Please feel welcome to message me for purchasing details of existing drums or to commission your custom totem drum.
International shipping available. ~ Thank you for your support
DRUMS: http://karrelchristopher.com/…/drums-thar-are-available.html

Hand Painted FRAME DRUMS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.827375437273894.1073741828.379579508720158&type=3
ART WEBSITE: http://karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Oil Paintings of LEAVES
















Tropical Foliage I ~ oil on canvas board ~ 11" x14"
by © Karrel Christopher
















Tropical Foliage II ~ oil on canvas board ~ 11" x14"
by © Karrel Christopher
ART website: more original PLANTS paintings
http://karrelchristopher.com/flowers-and-leaves.html
Karrel's Creative Path ~ Blogspot: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
Please feel welcome to message for purchase details
~ International shipping available ~
Thank you for your support!

Friday, March 13, 2015

Oil Painting of Nubian Kid Goats














NUBIAN BOYS
~ original oil on canvas painting of Nubian kid goats ~
by © Karrel Christopher ~ 31.5” x 23.5 inches ~ SOLD
A few years ago I met my first Nubian goat kids and have been entranced by their unique beauty, voice and personality ever since.  Their luminous eyes stare deeply into your soul.  Silly long ears flying in all directions cause uncontrollable smiling and laughter.  And those sleek, lanky bodies dance effortlessly through the air!  They made me feel like I had entered another world.  And I had - a very magical world full of wonder, curiosity, playfulness and joy.  Since then, I have had the privilege of knowing several generations of Nubian goats – nannies, bucks and kids.  In spending so many countless hours with them, I feel like an accepted member of the herd. Their character, love and affection are a very special gift! 
My desire is that more and more people will respectfully get to know these amazing members of our Earth Family.  They are delightful beings that cherish their safety, family, friends - and LIFE itself. 
All animals grace the planet for their own reasons…wishing to know contentment, happiness and love.  No one wants to be enslaved, exploited, abused and murdered.   May our compassion be consistent.  Let us create a world that is safe, peaceful and joyous for ALL BEINGS.  ~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~

ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
For the LOVE of GOATS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/…
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158
Karrel's Creative Path ~ Blogspot: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
Please feel welcome to message for purchase details
~ International shipping available ~
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Bagot Goat Buck Portrait ~ Oil on Canvas





















“FREDERICK” ~ Bagot Goat Buck 
~ 57 x 57 cm / 22.4 x 22.4 inches
original oil painting on canvas by © Karrel Christopher
~ Goat bucks hold a special fascination for me as an artist, photographer and animal lover. Each have their own special strength, dignity and charm.  At first glance you may think of them as serious, foreboding and musky fellows. However, they are also gloriously playful, humorous, tender and caring.  Male goats - that actually get to live - too often lead dreary lives in isolation and filth.  These regal beings are sadly forgotten and misunderstood. 
As I develop my series of goat portraits, I hope to share with you a glimpse of their beauty, personality and magnificence.  Perhaps you will get to know them and consider them as the special individuals that they are - instead of regarding them as a product of the cold and heartless animal agriculture industry.
Let's create a world safe and joyous for all beings.

ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
For the LOVE of GOATS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.827374347274003.1073741827.379579508720158&type=3
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158
Karrel's Creative Path ~ Blogspot: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/


Please feel welcome to message for purchase details
International shipping available

~ In recent years, I have been very fortunate to spend a great deal of time with goats of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages. Discovering their unique personalities and sweet loving nature has been joyous and life changing. Admittedly, they have become some of my favorite Earthlings! Most people only meet goats briefly at a petting zoo or local farm fair. On those occasions, adults and children alike will marvel at the adorable baby Kid goats prancing about with their mothers Does in the spring and summer. Sadly, these special beings are soon forgotten. The goat Kids grow up fast and too often there is no responsible plan for their lifetime needs as happy individuals. Too often considered disposable things-- irresponsibly bred for mere food, product and entertainment. Many babies are never registered and are just sold direct to the butcher for MEAT at a cheap price per head or pound. The females typically end up ENSLAVED in a DAIRY facility for PROFIT. The young Does get registered with painful ear tags and at most have their horn buds burned off for human convenience. They are kept pregnant year after year by natural mating or artificial insemination. Their babies are taken after birth so humans can steal, process and profit from their MILK. These females are milked twice a day (by hand or machine) until they are no long profitable producers. Many suffer from painful mastitis, deficiencies and other health problems. Some retired Does might be lucky to go to a hobby farm, petting zoo or rescue…or but often there are not enough homes for placement – so they are killed. Some of the fancier long hair breed of goats will be exploited for the WOOL, many others for fleeces and skin.
**What happens to the MALE GOATS?? Male kids may become sexually active as early as six weeks old and soon need to be separated from the female kids to avoid unplanned pregnancies. The males can be used for STUD purposes in their first autumn, although late born kids may not be ready until later in the breeding season. Typically, only registered pedigree Bucks are considered valuable for breeding. The remaining males are of NO USE to the DAIRY INDUSTRY. If they are not butchered early for MEAT - they will get registered, receive ear tags and usually have their horn buds burned off too. If not wanted for stud service they are likely to be neutered in a brutal fashion by one of agriculture’s standard industry methods: crude scalpel, rubber banding or Burdizzo (large clamping pliers) – without anesthesia (often times not done by a veterinarian). Male goats kept for mature MEAT are neutered to avoid a so-called undesirable strong musky taste in their flesh due to hormones. Many consider the more humane veterinary surgical method with anesthesia too inconvenient and too costly. So this leaves the remaining male goats to the eventual fate of a death sentence or in EXILE in a remote location. Un-neutered male goats in seasonal rut can display spunky, challenging behavior and typically have a strong musky scent that many folks don’t like. But when treated with kindness and respect, they can be very interesting and enjoyable companions when people have reasonable expectations. Intact male goats need patient and knowledgeable caretakers to attend to their needs in captivity. Unfortunately there are too few dedicated caregivers and these magnificent bucks are set out afar, away from people and Does. They are the forgotten ones, often suffering great loneliness, neglect, misery and filthy conditions.
Wild, lost and abandoned goats also meet survival challenges with increasingly less available territory to inhabit due to human expansion and domination; lack of food and water, poisons, pollutants, the threat of human hunters and other predators. Practically all goats - whether in a hobby farm, petting zoo, agricultural fair; in dairy, meat and wool industries or feral - are considered property, livestock or pests with no rights for a free, dignified and happy life. In one way or another, human and animal lives are unavoidably entwined and we need to create a responsible coexistence. Animals are forced to rely on humans in some manner and are at their mercy. Tragically, too often we cruelly betray them. It is our responsibility to kindly consider their perspective, their desires and needs – and to care for them with the same respect and compassion that we desire ourselves. They are sensitive living beings who cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE. They are NOT ours to USE as a source of food or product or amusement. Please see them, get to know them and appreciate them for their wonderful character, beauty and spirit.
They are part of our EARTH FAMILY. ~ kc
ALL BEINGS CHERISH SAFETY, FAMILY, FREEDOM & LIFE
Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN