SELF-PORTRAIT WITH BANDAGED EAR. Vincent VanGogh. It's taken a lot of coaxing to get the big-guy bears to come forward. Notable exception – Stan. He was there from the off, laughing and joking. He thought it would be a hoot to pose as Vincent with the damaged ear, as he himself lost a large chunk of his own ear in what he darkly refers to as a 'misunderstanding on the attic stairs', though he never goes into more detail. Anyhow, subject and model were a perfect fit. It seemed right to show Stan's ear peeking between the bandages but I resisted his suggestions of 'plenty of blood'. There is such a thing as too much realism. P.M

Bearfoot Masters - Old classic paintings that have been beared up. Bringing the teddy out in classic style.