Rocket Raccoon – Unwanted Attention 

Scott Gustafson made this illustration of Rocket Raccoon, using traditional materials and techniques of figurative painting. Looking closely, we can see the way he has built up the image using layers of paint and brushwork to create texture and depth. The artist skillfully models the figures with subtle gradations of tone, giving them a sense of volume and weight. Gustafson's creative practice engages with the history of observational realism, drawing on long-held traditions of portraiture and naturalism. But these are not straightforward depictions of animals. By giving the raccoons human-like intelligence and emotions, the artist invites us to consider our relationship with the natural world and the ethics of manipulating other species, while also creating a space where a loveable character like Rocket Raccoon can exist. Gustafson's methods belong to a world of fine art practice, even as his subject matter resides in mass culture, speaking to the blurring of boundaries in contemporary art. By embracing popular imagery, Gustafson opens up his work to a wider audience, while still celebrating the skills and traditions of painting.