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Black and white painting of a ghastly creature crouched in front of a gravestone. Mouth open it casts eyes on the viewer while gnawing on a human femur. Next to it is a titled gravestone topped with a cross. The text reads “Adams 1931-1979”. In the <br />far right, a rat climbs on a human skull while another explores the jawbone.

2026-10-31 08:17:43

MichaelWhelan@mastodon.art

In this special Halloween edition of our weekly newsletter, Michael answers the question of what attracted him to drawing dark art.   Plus two new horror paintings available now in our shop!
 https://theartofmichaelwhelan.substack.com/p/the-lure-of-darkness

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#horror #illustration #originalart

2026-10-31 08:18:33

Michael Whelan

MichaelWhelan@mastodon.art

Original Art Custom-framed in Distressed Warm Silver Moulding with Linen Liner. A desiccated figure holding empty arms close casts a shadow on a stucco wall. Open mouthed, the expression on its face is chilling as skin stretches over bone, draping ribs <br />like a thin curtain. Hanging on a red ribbon from its wrist is an old fashioned key.

THE KEY (2009) 
Oil - 24” x 18”

 The dead cannot show us the other side. If we want to see it, he holds the key and we have to go with him. The joke’s on us.  

https://www.michaelwhelan.com/shop/key/

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