The Magician's Opossum

I read tarot on occasion, and I really connect with the art in various decks. In fact, it's the most important factor when I'm choosing a deck. But I hadn't painted anything tarot-related, and that's a shame. I saw the photo of the opossum with the hat on its head, sitting under a bed or something, and was like, that's The Magician. So I painted him. Except now he's screaming, on a suggestion from a friend, and I think it's an improvement. We all should be screaming, if I'm being honest.

It was interesting getting the hat to look like velvet, as in the original photo. I think I succeeded. Velvet reflects light in very odd ways, but it's distinct. The stars on the hat are actual silver paint marker, although I'm unsure if it comes across in this photo. I've also scanned it and plan to make prints, but I just haven't edited the scan yet. Once that happens, I'll add it to this project.

Strangely, something that I've noticed in a few of my past paintings, is that when I finally finish a piece and go to varnish it, the pencil marks I'm so positive I've erased fully sometimes reappear. And since I've just sealed it, I can't paint over them. I feel it cheapens the final product, which sucks, but I still believe in the value of my art. I may just need to be more vigilant in my sketch erasing. Recently, a mentor suggested I stick with simply spraying my pieces with acrylic sealer instead of that AND varnishing. The spray should be enough, she says. And I'm highly considering taking her advice.

Acrylic marker on 5x7" stretched canvas.