Reindeer

“Once upon a time, the Reindeer took a running leap and jumped over the Northern Lights.

But he jumped too low, and the long fur of his beautiful flowing tail got singed by the rainbow fires of the aurora.

To this day the reindeer has no tail to speak of. But he is too busy pulling the Important Sleigh to notice what is lost. And he certainly doesn’t complain.

What's your excuse?”
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

The main difference between caribou and reindeer is that reindeer are domesticated and have been domesticated in Northern Eurasia over 2000 years ago.  Caribou have never been domesticated.  Reindeer are shorter and more muscled and their fur is heavier. Reindeer, as opposed to some conspiracies, both male and female, grow antlers.  The males lose theirs prior to December, but females do not, so many are saying Rudolf, the beloved red-nosed reindeer, is female.  Up until the 19th century, St. Nick was shown riding a horse, or donkey, or chariot pulled by horses.  The Nordic people were the first have reindeer and the sled at Christmas. 

Reindeer are fast (up to 50 miles per hour).  They can run for days as they migrateThey are sure footed They have incredible stamina and endurance.  And, for caribou, I know, their flesh can freeze and thaw and still regenerate.  You can thaw and refreeze their meat for consumption.  And, btw, their meat is sweet, and a paler color.  It is delicious.  It makes the best dry meat. 

In 1823, Moore's poem, "A Visit from St. Nicolas"/" 'Twas the Night Before Christmas", became the reason for the eight reindeer. 

And, as for Rudolf's red nose, did you know that reindeer have a dense supply of blood vessels in their nose to keep them from freezing and to regulate body temperature?  They do not sweat.  And, get this, their noses actually do turn rosy red upon running.  Thermographic imaging was done while a reindeer was running on a treadmill.  So, yes, in thermal imaging, it shows up warm/red.

Now we know.

I did the Reindeer and the caribou , the Caribou is a painting, the reindeer is Rudolf the Reindeer in an art journal page. 

The caribou painting is a new favorite.  I need to spend time shading for shading always makes the difference.  When I did his underbelly, he came alive in his winter snowstorm. A shape, shading, and a flick of a stiff brush loaded with white acrylic made this painting happen.

©Carol Desjarlais 12.17.19

The Rudolf art page was an afterthought.  Again, simple shapes.  Sorry the high glow of the red did not photograph well.