This is my second sketch for the second painting in the Fables/Folklore series. This one will be loosely based on Munro Leaf's "Ferdinand the Bull," which is one of my favorite children's stories.

The theme of this painting will be a more humanistic personification of the themes and lessons involved in the story. I am interested in the question of gender definition--in this painting, specifically how boys are STILL typified by masculinity from such a young age, even now in present day. I will employ my skills in portraiture this time with a clear intention in mind, unlike Little Red, which just sort of conveniently "happened." I feel very positive about getting started on this painting and hope to have it well under way by this weekend.

I'm finding that I'm more attracted to reflecting a concern with the intimate and personal qualities of the characters I'm recreating, rather than a focus on political and worldly issues. This being said, Hansel and Gretel is not coming so easily. I am apprehensive about working with mixed media, especially since I'm not quite sure how to create this house of books. I have gathered some materials from SCRAP to play around with and will make 3-4 rough studies of the house on Saturday.