Endangered Species

The Smithsonian just released a photo of a Jaguar caught on night camera on an island in Panama. The last sighting was in 1983, so this is a wonderful confirmation that they are still around even though they have been hunted almost to extinction in South America.

It made me think again about the 100,000 plus gorillas found by the Wildlife Conservation Society over the summer in the Congo. No one knew they existed until 2008 because they live in such a remote and inaccessible area. It thrills me to no end that these animals have never laid eyes on a human being. What a beautiful thing for an animal.
I suppose that is over now, unless the government does something to protect them.

Here is the amazing story. Be sure to watch the video.

What's that Painting?

"Sitting Bull Returns" at the Drive-In
1976, Willard Midgette (about 11 ft x 9 ft)

Willard Midgette was an American realist painter and print maker. I can't find a lot about him and it may be because unfortunately he died at the age of 40 from a brain tumor. The painting is in storage at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. I am going to research a bit more and see what I can come up with on our artist brother, Willard Midgette.

So, it is later on Sunday evening. I had very little luck in finding much about Willard except that he did quite a few large works focused on Native American life. Sheila seems to know who he is, but I have never heard of him. Not only did I find a lack on info on him, but I could not find any images of his other work, either.