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Through the years, I have often been asked where I get the ideas for my paintings, do I copy something, do I make it up from my own imagination, do I dream the images, or what my inspiration is. Each artist comes to their art in his or her own way--this part of my studio website is intended to answer some of the questions by giving a step-by-step account of the process for one particular painting. I will be adding other works as they are created or requested, but for now, a first step, a first piece is required.
The painting which follows will be displayed in a high-end women's salon; the size is 16" X 20" and will be painted on gessoed, acid-free canvas in acrylics; the subject matter was left up to me. I considered the bright and cheerful atmospehere of the room, the types of artwork all ready displayed, the presence of whimsically painted furniture, and of course, the clients: women who would be going there to relax and beautify themselves. The subject I chose is the three faces of the mother goddess: Maiden, Mother, Crone--to be completed in a style which would complement the decor and be pleasing to the eye. When the painting is finished it will be offered for sale on this site as well as the salon, and, of course, prints may be purchased on this website. If any visitors or buyers have questions as to the method, style, content or price (of the original or a print), please feel free to write me at myroseblooms@yahoo.com . |
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The initial drawing is simply a quick rendering of the idea,using a #3 graphite pencil and created in an 11" X 17" acid free, light-texture Strathmore Sketch book. The three figures stand with arms entwined about each other's waists. I do tend to usually give the Mother more detail as I am still in that stage of life myself, but the other figures will be filled out more completely as I work.
This is a favorite subject of mine which I have sketched and painted many times over the years. Certain symbolism turns up again and again, so I want to elaborate a little on that here.
* The hair of the Maiden is usually drawn long and flowing, in a simple style, sometimes with a white flower chapelet or ribbons. The hair of the Mother is usually more elaborate, part of it put up in curls or braids, but always long and flowing; sometimes there is a small crown or coronet, sometimes a tall headpiece. The Crone has part of hair down, and, as it is usually thinner hair, it will be mostly held back in a chignon; sometimes you will see it cut short or braided like a crown.
** The breasts of the Maiden are small and pert, her waist and hips slender, her legs long like a colt's. The Mother's breasts are round and full to indicate her status as a life-giver and lover, her hips and legs fuller and her belly pregnant with new life. The Crone's breasts hang and are thinner than the Mother's, her hips, legs and arms are thin, the skin wrinkled.
*** The expression of the Maiden is modest, innocent, shy, and often her face is turned away from the mother, or facing downward a little. The expression of the Mother is full frontal and smiling, facing the viewer--she is frank and unashamed, sometimes rather seductive, as she represents a woman's sexuality in full bloom. The Crone sometimes faces the Mother protectively, or is, more usually faced away or has her gaze turned inward or towards heaven--this shows that the time of children is past and her sexuality is not an overwhelming urge as it was in her youth--she has time for herself.
**** Symbols for the images often include: For the Maiden--white roses or other white flowers, a white dove (representing purity and spirituality), pearls, a covered chalice (her virginity), ribbons, gloves or corset (sexuality restrained). For the Mother--red roses, rabbits or a female cat with kittens (fertility), golden jewelry and gems (the richness of the earth), a crown or coronet, sometimes body painting or tattoos, a snake bracelet (temptation and desire). For the Crone--a staff, crystal ball or Tarot cards, wreath of dried grape vines, silver jewelry, owl or raven (wisdom, death).
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Here you will see a further detailing of the original theme. The Maiden's face is soft and her gaze a little sad, her hair full and flowing. Her gestures are delicate and perhaps somewhat timid as she clings to the Mother. The faces of the Mother and Crone are better delineated, each with their own expression--the Mother's, rather arch and knowing, the Crone's more serious and intent.
At this point I am trying for a clear idea of what I want, and usually tend to draw the figures nude, working out the positions of the bodies. Complexities such as clothes and background will gradually be added in as the project progresses.
Because of the page load time I will keep just 2 drawings per page, large enough for you to see details. Just follow the links at the bottom to go to the next page. When the pre-drawings are finished, I will move on to the underdrawing on the canvas, then laying down the first layers. Keep checking back to see the progress, and there will be a Comments section on the ending page.
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On to PAGE 2 of "A Work in Progress"
©1983-2009. All images & writing on this site are copyrighted and the property of Cheryl Baisden Solis and Angel Illuminations. No material may be used without express permission of the artist. For more information on using any of these images, click 'Contact the Artist' above. Thank you!
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