I just love the art of Dara Engler! Here is a painting from her “Pirate Series” titled “Pirate Wrestles and Alligator” (Oil and charcoal on canvas, 2012, 30″x30″). The humor of the piece thrills me, and the story is just so fun!
Here is a part of her artists statement, describing why she paints the way she does.
My work depicts the evolution of a character, from lethargic and zombie-like to an ornery, striped pirate. Throughout this series the figures begin to confront the viewer as they change from zombies into pirates. They are more alert, and as a result more grumpy, as though waking up on the wrong side of the bed.