Then they're tough birds

“New Yorkers’’ (oil on canvas on panel), by Purdy Eaton, in her show of paintings and photos called “Mad to Live,’’ at Standard Space, Weston, Conn., through Aug. 25.

The gallery says that Ms. Purdy, with a background in biology and epidemiology, is inspired by the natural world, particularly animals. “Her paintings feature detailed animals against abstract backgrounds, creating a surreal atmosphere in each piece. Contributing to this are the expressions of each animal: unreadable yet evocative, at turns indifferent and ominous. Each work of art invites the viewer to look ever closer, urging them to examine both the canvas before them and their own impressions of nature. ‘‘

'Excitement before the fall'

“Ghost of a Dream: counting flowers on the wall’’ (used playing cards from Trump Plaza and the Miccosukee Nation casinos on panel), by Lauren Was and Adam Eckstrom, in the show “I’ll be with you when the deal goes down,’’ at Standard Space, Sharon, Conn., Oct. 6-Nov. 4.

The gallery says: “The exhibition pieces are made entirely from old playing cards once used in American casinos with Optical Art-like designs that create intense, repetitive patterns. These patterns are an abstract recreation of the excitement and anticipation felt by the brain when hoping to win a round of gambling. The cards carry with them a history of losses and broken dreams, even as they make up pieces that demonstrate the excitement before the fall.’’