Jackrabbit 

Julie Bell's "Jackrabbit" is made with oil paint on what appears to be canvas, a traditional medium that's been favored by artists for centuries. The application of oil paint allows for a meticulous realism, evident in the detail of the jackrabbit's fur and the desert landscape. It gives the artist control over the texture, weight and color of the final image. Bell uses the oil paint's capacity for blending to create soft gradations of light and shadow. The fine brushwork and smooth surfaces create a sense of depth, making the jackrabbit seem almost touchable. Bell's engagement with traditional painting techniques demonstrates a deep respect for the craft. It also elevates the natural subject matter, inviting us to appreciate the labor, skill, and tradition involved in this artwork. The painting's lifelike quality, achieved through the mastery of oil paint, challenges the traditional hierarchy between craft and fine art.