AIBU about this confused rabbit?

[ConfusedRabbit]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker here, and need to consult the sensible MN heads (poems also welcome).

So I have always struggled for money (plays tiny violin) but decided I wanted to buy myself an original painting by an artist I love. I don't really buy myself "fun" stuff much, but I saved hard for a year, kept checking his website and finally found The One. Bought it, much excitement. Then it arrived damaged (devastated) and they said they couldn't repair it, but the artist very kindly offered to paint a new one.

They've now sent me a picture of the new one and its beautiful (and I so appreciate them going to these lengths) - but there's something wrong with it. I've attached the original and the new one, and in the new one, the rabbit is...kind of not pointing at anything when in the original he's pointing at the heart, which is supposed to be a gift for the other rabbit. (God I sound stupid but it doesn't "make sense" and it's bothering me.)

Maybe I just need a virtual telling off for being fussy, but...AIBU to be a bit upset that my big treat for myself isn't quite right? I need to let them know if I'm taking it ASAP, it cost a lot (for me anyway) and when I asked my friend he put his head on one side and said "hmmm" which really didn't help.

I think it's simpler to think of them as two entirely different pieces of art.

And I prefer the first one. I'd ask for a 50/60% discount to the first and keep it.

I think you need to stop thinking in terms of imposing, you bought a product. It came damaged. The replacement is not what you want. You are not obliged to take a compromise. But I would explain the problem to him about your reading of the first painting and the fact that the second doesn't tell that same story. It would be useful for them to know for future I think.

If you keep the first you have to negotiate a discount: how much would depend on whether the artist repairs it or you pay someone else.

Also agree with Katisha. This sort of feedback is very important in explaining why you don't want the second. Some people buy original art as an investment, even if they didn't particularly like it. YOU are buying for love.

Hello all, sorry for the delay in reply - busy Saturday.

I know how MNers love an update (including me) so here's the happy ending! The artist has already made another lovely painting in the same style as the original (beautiful dark reds) which he will give me instead of the second version of the heart painting. I'm very happy with it, the artist has still sold me a painting so he's happy, and he has the orange heart one to resell.

I may ask if the damaged one can be salvaged somehow (perhaps cropped by a pro and sold as a smaller painting), as I'm still in love with it too.

Thanks everyone for being so lovely and helpful this morning!

For those who asked (gratefully I think it was you and maybe others? Sorry I'm on my phone!) - the artist is Gary Walton and you can find his work easily on Google. Am I allowed to post links?

That's great Confused!

Can we see Painting #3?

Oh I am glad. I could see exactly what you meant in the second picture. :)

Just had a look online a stage artist style has been described as 'having a strong narrative', so it makes sense he'd 'get' your concern that the second picture told a different take... Phew!

Of course you can Quim!

Interested parties can have a nosy at the artists other work here: www.theartcurator.com/collections/gary-walton

I'm very happy with all the trouble he and the dealer have taken to make sure I'm happy, and can recommend them wholeheartedly. Even the drunken rabbits.

Misc, thank you. I was so relieved when other people could see what I was bothered about, and things have turned out great in the end. MN to the rescue once again - biscuits and cake for you all!

Is that picture you posted the new one OP?

Ooooh all his work is so beautiful!

Yes that's the new one Quim! I love it I saw an exhibition of his work a year ago and knew I had to have one of his paintings one day. He has quite the little cult following at my work these days

I really like the first one, the second one seems a bit meh in comparison. If you're not happy then let them know, after all they are a business and you are a customer!

It's fantastic, I can see why you love it, exactly the same colour palette! Are you keeping the original one too in the end? I confess to really liking the heart in the tree

Glad you see it too Buster. I honestly was afraid I was being weirdly picky and might get blacklisted by the artist for being a bit crackers

Quim, I suggested cropping the painting to get rid of the damaged bit and said I would still be really keen to buy it if they could do that. They're taking it back to the workshop to assess its rescue potential. I love it too and don't want to let it go!

Only the pleasure of helping a little known artist keep painting so I can buy them all littlelights

Yanbu - the first is lovely, don't like the second one.

The two dark red rabbit ones are just gorgeous. I like all his stuff but they are easily the nicest.

Try these, Minions!

www.theartcurator.com/collections/gary-walton/products/nearly-there-1?variant=20208281733

www.theartcurator.com/collections/gary-walton/products/bunny-wonderland?variant=20674233925

I'd have a houseful of these if I could afford it I'm really not on commission

whistles innocently

I love 'Nearly There', I want it so so so badly.

Why haven't I won the lottery yet?!

Definitely in the minority here but I actually preferred the second one......sorry!

I love "Nearly There" too. Another one buying a Lottery ticket for the weekend.

RP, I'm actually glad people like that one too as that means he should have no trouble selling it on