Deer 

This painting, entitled Deer, was created by Julie Bell, presumably with oils on canvas. Bell is known for her fantasy art, and this work exemplifies that, with its idyllic, almost hyperreal style. Looking closely, you can see the amount of labor invested in rendering such meticulous detail. The oil paint is handled to create an almost photographic realism, from the fur of the animal, to the cascading water, to the varied textures of rock, foliage and tree bark. Oil paint allowed Bell to create a smooth, blended surface, building up layers of color to achieve luminosity. But it’s not just about the artist’s skill with the medium. It also reflects a culture of consumption that favors idealized visions of nature, and a kind of perfection only achievable through intensive labor. Consider how much work is involved in bringing such a vision to life. The finished artwork is not just an image, but a manifestation of culture, skill and social values.