This was my first time ever using oil paints, and I wanted to do something surreal, but so realistic that the surreal elements fit seamlessly together, and the viewer might question reality a bit. The metal thing is a candle holder, tilted to the angle of joyous trumpets so that it seems alive, or purposeful. It seems to be swallowing or spitting out a hand, which reached out of the dark depths and towards the light. Perhaps it says, “Hi!” or “Help!” or “Hell!” No matter the answer, the surreal image creates a sense of unsettling skin prickles.

See below for an in progress photos.