The Newborn

The Newborn
Gale F. Trapp, 2012

It’s spring and the newborns are out. At one time, this scene would have been common throughout the Western plains, one more turn in the cycle of life.

And then came the near extinction of the buffalo, and this scene became less common; a cause for celebration as conservationists, ranchers and others worked to preserve the buffalo herds.

I love that this image could be one from the past, as well as the present, as buffalo herds grow and once again roam the prairie. Nature doing what nature does.

Deception

Deception

It may seem as if this simple painting is just an image of predator and prey. The mouse is lower on the food chain and that is the way of nature.

But, look a little deeper and you may notice that it is allegorical in nature.

Just as the small mouse looks the other way, seemingly unaware of the snake ready to strike, people are often deceived – complacent and unaware of the danger – evil – which exists in this world.

Predator vs. prey and good vs. evil.

It’s the way of the world.

About the Painting
Gale F. Trapp, 2009
Acrylic on Board
3rd place winner at the Death Valley 49’ers Art Show 2010