The animal series began in 2016. The original grouping of animals was more about abstracting color and playing with expression. At the same time Gretchen was working on a floral series and felt conflicted between wanting to paint flowers, wanting to paint animals, wanting to paint abstractly, and yet also wanting to paint figuratively. She felt that there must be a way to combine all these different interests into one concept when the idea of flowers painted onto elephants in India popped into her mind. She began to study a variety of cultures around the world and noted the different ways in which animals were “dressed up” and celebrated in this way. It started with some flowers and flourishes painted onto a doe…. and then it slowly evolved into a seven year long exploration.
All the original paintings have now been sold, but the prints will remain available both online and in person at Soulflower Studio in Appleton, WI. All prints are Fine Art Giclee print reproductions on 100% cotton rag paper. Additionally all prints are signed, titled, and numbered.
Thirteen of the original paintings are available for the public at the Epic Campus in Verona, WI.
