The Art of: Mark Ryden (Painter)

I stumbled across Mark Ryden a few years ago when I was at a bookstore, perusing some magazines when this one cover caught my eye. I was drawn into it because at first I thought it was "cute" but then upon closer inspection I realized that this was "not for kids". I've been hooked ever since! His artwork is so contradictory, with the cuteness of bunnies and little girls but they are often put in strange situations that usually involve blood and Jesus. LOL! I've chosen a few of my favorites that are shown to the left: Santa Worm (top), Balloon Boy (center), A Dog Named Jesus (bottom left), Inside Sue (bottom right).