bettina fine art
witty and provocative folk art paintings 
   
 

                 the brush stroke  fall 2026

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                                         Because the Night

This painting is an ode to the Sonoran Desert Toad. These toads come out to mate in the evenings after the monsoon rains. Most people dislike these toads due to a toxin they secrete when a dog gets a hold of one in its mouth. The release of the toxin from the glands behind the eyes is purely a defense mechanism. They are also hunted and poached for the toxins that get people high. Their numbers are declining in Mexico, Arizona and rarely seen in California. I like to think of them having a lovely sexy tango as part of their mating ritual.

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