Acrylic on canvas - 30” x 40”

Consider the toad. Why has this creature become known as the mascot of ugliness? Look closer at his amazing golden eyes and gorgeous patterning. How charming he is!

One summer, my daughter caught a toad and wanted to keep him. I explained to her that he wouldn't like being contained and would likely die. She pleaded and was heartbroken at the thought of letting him go, so I made her a deal- she had two days to find something he would eat, and she could keep him over the summer. If she weren't successful, we would release him immediately.

She indeed was able to encourage him to consume local insects, and so he lived with us for a month or so. We grew quite fond of Pickle. I was able to study all the intricate patterns and colors he displayed, but I was most enchanted with his golden eyes.

I immortalized Pickle's on canvas before we send the little guy back from whence he came, but I will forever see the toad as a beautiful thing to behold.

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