Art Series: Adultitis Fighters

  • The Fly Girl

    “The Fly Girl” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
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    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    At a time when women were expected to stay firmly on the ground, Amelia Earhart set her sights on the sky and refused to let fear or convention clip her wings. With her daring flights and record-breaking adventures, she proved that many of the limits people accept are nothing more than “rules that don’t exist.” More than just a pilot, Amelia embodied the spirit of wonder and rebellion. Her courage, playfulness, and curiosity turned the world into a playground of possibility, inspiring generations to follow their own dreams. In choosing to live boldly, she showed us all how to rise above the ordinary and reminds us that life is meant to be an adventure.

    “Never interrupt someone doing what you said  couldn’t be done.”

    “Never do things others can do and will do, if there are things others cannot do or will not do.”

    “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest  is merely tenacity.”

    “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

  • The Joyful Elf

    “The Joyful Elf” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
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    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell in the movie Elf, shows us how to embrace life with joy, creativity, and unrelenting optimism. Buddy is unapologetically himself and marvels at the simplest pleasures. He has a knack for breaking the monotony of adult life, improvising solutions and injecting fun into routine tasks. He regularly spreads joy through acts of kindness. Despite being surrounded by skeptical adults, Buddy doesn’t let their negativity diminish his joy or mission. He models resilience in preserving one’s childlike spirit.

    “Does somebody need a hug?”

    “There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.”

    “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.”

    “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

    “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”

    “Treat every day like Christmas.”

  • The Redheaded Pioneer

    “The Redheaded Pioneer” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
    Original is SOLD 🔴 Shop this art!

    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Actor and comedian Lucille Ball was a great breaker of rules that don’t exist, becoming one of the first women to own a major television production company and addressed issues like marriage, pregnancy, and women in the workforce at a time when such topics were rarely discussed on television. Through her iconic character Lucy Ricardo on the television show “I Love Lucy,” she was a comedic trailblazer, portraying a strong, independent woman who wasn’t afraid to be funny, clumsy, or ambitious.

    “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” 

    “In life, all good things come hard, but wisdom is the hardest to come by.”

    “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore faith in yourself.”

    “I’m not funny. What I am is brave.”

  • The Rebel Princess

    “The Rebel Princess” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
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    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Princess Leia, from the “Star Wars” franchise, is a role model because fighting Adultitis is a fight. (And Darth Vader is a pretty good example of someone with a full-blown case.) Far from a traditional “damsel in distress,” Leia showed great strength as a leader, rising up in rebellion against oppression and tyranny, facing the battle with courage and resilience while preserving a compassionate and empathetic heart. Her example encourages us to embrace our own strength, stand up for what is right, and never lose hope in the face of adversity.

    “I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but from now on you’ll do as I tell you, okay?”

    “Someone has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, flyboy.”

    “Never be afraid of who you are.”

    “Hope is like the sun. If you only believe it when you see it you’ll never make it through the night.”

    “May the Force be with you.”

  • The Coach

    “The Coach” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
    Original is SOLD 🔴 Shop this art!

    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Ted Lasso, the titular character of the TV series “Ted Lasso,” is a model of blue sky optimism and positivity. His humor and lightheartedness diffuse tension and bring joy, but he’s far from a naive pollyanna. Even though he had plenty of reasons to despair, from his failing marriage to his losing team, he didn’t succumb to pessimism and remained filled with hope. His sunny disposition and can-do attitude inspire us to maintain a positive outlook and approach challenges with resilience and determination.

    “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”

    “You say impossible, but all I hear is ‘I’m possible.’”

    “You beating yourself up is like Woody Allen playing the clarinet. I don’t wanna hear it.”

    “So I’ve been hearing this phrase y’all got over here that I ain’t too crazy about. ‘It’s the hope that kills you.’ Y’all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it’s the lack of hope that comes and gets you.”

  • The Big Kid

    “The Big Kid” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
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    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Paul Reubens embodied Pee-wee Herman with unparalleled dedication, seamlessly merging character and performer on and off-camera. His meticulous attention to detail, from wardrobe to mannerisms, and innovative comedic techniques, including breaking the fourth wall and surreal humor, contributed to Pee-wee’s iconic persona. Reubens’ commitment to silliness addressed universal themes with humor, resonating with millions and cementing his place as a comedic icon.

    “Why don’t you take a picture, it’ll last longer.“ 

    “That’s my name, don’t wear it out!”

    “I’ve always felt like a kid, and I still feel like a kid, and I’ve never had any problem tapping into my childhood, and my kid side.”

    “Shhh! I’m listening to reason!”

    “I’m just trying to illustrate that it’s okay to be different — not that it’s good, not that it’s bad, but it’s all right. I’m trying to tell kids to have a good time and to encourage them to be creative and to question things.”

  • The Candymaker

    “The Candymaker” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
    Original is SOLD 🔴 Shop this art!

    This is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Willy Wonka, the enigmatic chocolatier from Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” is an iconic symbol of the wonder and magic of childhood. His eccentric behavior, refusal to conform, and unexpected twists challenge conventional expectations, encouraging us find delight in surprises. Willy’s whimsical inventions and fantastical creations teach everyone that anything is possible with a little imagination and ingenuity. His witty remarks and mischievous antics remind us not to take life too seriously.

    “You should never, never doubt what nobody is sure about.”

    “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”

    “If the good lord intended us to walk, he never would’ve invented roller skates.”

    “The suspense is terrible! I hope it’ll last.”

    “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest of men.”

  • The Good Neighbor

    “The Good Neighbor” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20. Oil on canvas.
    Original is SOLD 🔴 Shop this art!

    This print is part of “Adultitis Fighters,” a series of paintings by Jason Kotecki featuring real and fictional characters who serve as role models in the fight against Adultitis.

    Mister Rogers, known for his iconic television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was able to connect with people on a deeply human level and was an unwavering example of kindness and empathy. He respected children as individuals and validated their emotions and thoughts. Mister Rogers understood the importance of play, creativity, and imagination in both children and adults’ lives and reminded viewers of the joy and laughter that can be found in everyday activities.

    “Often when you think you’re at the end of something you’re at the beginning of something else.”

    “It’s good to be curious about many things.”

    “Everyone longs to be loved. And the greatest thing we can do is let people know that they are loved and capable of loving.”

    “I like you just the way you are.”