Sunflowers & Goat oil painting

GOLDEN TREATS: Sunflowers & Goat
by artist © Karrel Christopher
24'' x 48'' ~ oil on board ~ detailed images follow >
...click on photo to enlarge and arrow forward

ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Face Book: For the Love of Goats: https://www.facebook.com/379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827374347274003
Pinterest:  https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-%7E-paintings/

Begonias & Coleus with Celtic theme

Begonias & Coleus with Celtic theme
Original oil on canvas painting 12" x16" inches
by artist © Karrel Christopher
Reveling in the beautiful and mysterious world of plants - this revision of an older favorite botanical study explores dreamy textures and colors. 
~ Available for purchase
ART website:http://karrelchristopher.com/
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photograp…/…
Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/ka…/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

A New Goats Oil Portrait - more Piebird Friends!

PIEBIRD's MOMMABILL & GINGER
by © Karrel Christopher - original oil painting on canvas 40 x 50 cm
A new specially commissioned goats portrait for Piebird Farm Sanctuary/ Vegan Farmstay in Nipissing, Ontario, Canada - celebrating 11 years of love, peace, caring and dedicated service to animal friends.
Honoring their most senior sanctuary member MommaBill (who you guessed it - plays Momma to the young new comers) - along with the beloved and dearly missed Ginger.  Both were inspiring teachers to Piebird's Sherry and Yan when they first began their farm journey together.  Respect, love and compassion has continued to grow over the years - as well as the size of their beautiful and inspiring sanctuary family.  Celebrating Vegan Love for All Beings.
Learn more about Piebird: http://www.piebird.org
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Karrel's Creative Path Blog: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photograp…/…
Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/ka…/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

Grace the Swan - Painted Frame Drum

GRACE the SWAN
by artist © Karrel Christopher
Original hand painted art on a non-leather Remo Fiberskyn frame drum.

16" diameter x 2 1/2" deep ~ special commission ~ SOLD

A beloved swan totem - surrounded by bees, plants and Celtic themes.
Painted Drums portfolio: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.827375437273894.1073741828.379579508720158&type=3
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Paintings on Pinterest:
https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-drums-hand-painted/
... https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

WHY I choose SYNTHETIC *NON* leather REMO Frame Drums for my Totem Drum Paintings

My choice will ALWAYS BE >  SYNTHETIC *NON*leather!
Hand painted Remo Frame Drums by Karrel Christopher:
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

> DRUM HEADS: SYNTHETIC vs DEAD ANIMAL SKIN <
Recently, a drum collector visited my art studio and was admiring my hand painted frame drums and my animal paintings. He and his wife loved the quality and spirit of the artwork and the voice of the drums.

I shared with them that because I am VEGAN, I only painted my designs on *non*leather synthetic fiber REMO drums. Respect for animals being key – they also are more resilient and tone stable in various temperatures and humidity. As a musician and shaman workshop facilitator, he admitted that the animal skin drums he has used constantly go out of tune during his events (having to stop and make many adjustments). He agreed that the Remo drums had a great tone and loved the advantages in changing weather.

The wife mentioned that he had several goat skin drums – to which I automatically cringed with great sadness. As she reviewed my walls covered with several goat portraits, I could see she was feeling a bit awkward and embarrassed. --Then she added,
“Opps – sorry – I am sure they were only very old goats!”
.....WHAT ???? .....
I was stunned by her statement (excuse?) and reminded them that – regardless of their age...or species…that all animals cherish their lives…as we do. I got a nervous laugh from them both and they quickly changed the subject.

In the days that have followed, her words continued to jar my heart and brain. They were just another startling example of how people try to justify their choices and sooth their conscience. Though they perceive their choices as normal and innocent – some part of them must suspect the violence involved. Over and over again, I had to ask myself – how does this work? “I am sure they were only very old goats!” (like that makes it OK ?!!) Well, for NOT me – it doesn’t!

I know and dearly love many “old goats” and have also mourned their passing. They are all beautiful feeling individuals. And I respect the right to life – for ALL the ones I have not met. It would never occur to me to say – Hmmm, you know, I could make a drum or purse out of you because you are “OLD” – absolutely NOT! – NOT at any age!

So I am trying to figure the reasoning?! What if we lived in a society that found it a normal, mainstream and acceptable tradition (and a livelihood) to make drums, crafts, accessories and décor items out of *human skin and hair*?? Would using small children considered surplus & by-product (like in animal agriculture) be alright?! Would killing adults who were not very productive be practical?! Would knocking off grandparents (because they are OLD) be acceptable?! Extreme – yes!? Do those examples shock you – well of course they should! Being a good, well intentioned, moral person – you KNOW it would be absurd and very WRONG.

So WHY don’t we KNOW that slavery, exploitation and murder are WRONG for ALL innocent sentient SPECIES?!! All the *non*human animals all cherish their safety, family, freedom and lives too. What bizarre conditioning, brainwashing and marketing tricks have people assimilated?! – without question – even defiantly defending terrible acts - that most certainly would be a terrible contradiction to their sincerely professed values?! It is further disturbing that lots of folks ignore what should be obvious ethical concerns when it comes to those “old traditions and practices”. There are many who make earnest claims about “being spiritual” – all while banging on a drum made from the skin of an often tortured and murdered individual (and using other animal source accessories for their rituals).

For example, that GOAT SKIN DRUM is most likely from: a young male goat that was of no use to the dairy industry OR any goat raised & killed for meat OR an adult female depleted dairy goat whose productivity has dropped and is no longer profitable OR a victim of ritual slaughter OR any old goat someone could imagine making a profit with. So please ask yourself: What is the energy, music, intention, meaning – the sincerity and quality of spiritual – or artistic practice, when all that misery and violence is contained in the history of that poor animal? Let us awaken our heart intelligence. Think!

We are NOT cave men and women anymore. We have presumably evolved. We are supposed to be intelligent. And we are fortunate to have the wonderful advantage of many responsible and ethical alternatives for our use, enjoyment, expressions and profit. It would certainly seem more sincere and meaningful for all those items to come from a place of responsibility, love and peace.

Why not create new traditions, habits and rituals that leave out the violence. Choose LOVE. Let us honor each other and ALL our Earth Family with respectful, kind and compassionate choices.

Thank you for your consideration.

When we discover our conscience ~ we must act.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC

*non*leather hand painted frame drums by Karrel Christopher
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

Remo drums: please check out the *non*leather options! http://remo.com/

~ RIP Remo D Belli 1927 - 2016 http://remo.com/remobelli/
Thank you Remo. I will never forget your kindness to me as I started my journey of painting on frame drums. Your understanding, thoughtfulness and support were greatly appreciated. It was an honor to meet you, know you and tour your incredible drum manufacturing facility in Valencia, California. Thank you for showing the world how great NON LEATHER drums could be!! ~ KC
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-remo-belli-20160503-story.html

Horses Series: New Painting ~ You Are Safe

YOU ARE SAFE ~ painting by vegan artist © Karrel Christopher ~ original oil on canvas work from the Heart Spirit: HORSE Series
~ measures 18” x 24” inches ~ available for purchase

The safety of a loving embrace… huge exhale… feel that glorious blanket of comfort… the bliss of contentment… tender reassurance… that sense of security that everybody longs for and cherishes…sacred trust and safety.  To be protected from use, slavery, exploitation, abuse and murder…to have our needs thoughtfully met…to rejoice in freedom… to always be free from harm.   Perhaps one of greatest expressions of love we can offer is to help ensure that everyone we relate to is safe.  By treating all beings with respect, kindness and compassion, we affirm our values.  We can elevate our commitment to kindness beyond our immediate circle - reaching further - with responsible actions that consider all our Earth Family unseen, worldwide.  Perhaps they - most of all - need our nurturing and protection.  Please remember them too.  All of our choices have consequences and the Golden Rule should be our guide.  May all beings walk, run, hop, swim, slither and fly in dignity, safety and peace.  May they relax and be joyous because you are kind and trustworthy in all your relationships with life. 

~ please ~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN

ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/

Karrel's Creative Path Blog: http://karrelart.blogspot.nl/

Art on Face Book: HORSES https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.438159962862112.105126.379579508720158&type=3https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.438159962862112.105126.379579508720158&type=3

Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

Amethyst Garden ~ oil painting

AMETHYST GARDEN  
original oil on canvas painting by © Karrel Christopher 
measures 20" x 20" inches   This dreamy, spiritual landscape would make a lovely addition to your home, office or meditation sanctuary. Meander through this healing garden and elevate your spirit in the leafy winding vines of purple, lavender and magenta. Thank you for sharing!
available for purchase ~ contact me for details:
~ ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/ 
~ Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158
~ Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

Contemporary Art: Red Butterfly & Rose Tiles

Here is a painting to energize your spring and Earth Day celebrations! Add some joyful color to your life.
RED BUTTERFLY and ROSE TILES 
~ by © Karrel Christopher
original oil on canvas painting ~ measures 24" x 30" inches
Combining my love for butterflies, ceramic art tiles and art Nouveau designs.
~ available for purchase ~ brighten and cheer your home or office ~ any time of year.  Message me for details.
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/ 
Art on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/?fref=ts
Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/

CHEETAH 4 ~ Original Oil Painting

Cheetah Lady ~ Guided by Sky & Earth Spirits
by artist © Karrel Christopher
Original oil on canvas painting 18" x 36" inches
~ available for purchase ~
The 16th work in my series of Big Cats and my 4th Cheetah painting.  My first three Cheetahs were special commissions. In this fourth work, I wanted to play with a more fanciful style ~ celebrating a mystical connection with the Earth, elements and life.  The butterflies and beetles included are indigenous to Kenya where many cheetahs live.  I deeply admire the dignity, beauty and wisdom of animals ~ and feel they have much to teach us.  The natural world can inspire, calm, heal and enlighten us, if we are open to its magic.  Hopefully people and the big cats will find more respectful and responsible ways of coexisting.  As with all beings, they deserve respect, compassion and protection. Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone.
BIG CATS series: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.989766264368143.1073741830.379579508720158&type=3
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
Art on Pinterest: https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-paintings/ ...and *non*leather drums: https://nl.pinterest.com/karrelART/karrel-christopher-~-drums-hand-painted/

top detail from

Cheetah Lady ~ Guided by Sky & Earth Spirits

by artist © Karrel Christopher

bottom detail from

Cheetah Lady ~ Guided by Sky & Earth Spirits

by artist © Karrel Christopher