Well, I went with the Cailleach personification of winter, the old Irish archetype. Considering the time frame I had and other projects within that time frame, I changed my mind about my interest in playing around with oils, and used watercolor instead.
I still wish to pursue other completed versions of both of the sketches (shown in previous entry), and at such a time I think oils will be fun.
Serendipitously, an epic snowstorm - unusual for this region - pummeled through my town for roughly the two days I wished to work on this piece! I spent happy hours building with the brush when otherwise I would have had class. Class was canceled! Lovely week.
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| "Cailleach", 10x14", Watercolor. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011. |
This is a Celtic illumination sample which I found in one of my books, this one called "The Celtic Book Of Days" by Caitlin Matthews, which I used as an inspiration for the weave and knot work color theme.
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| From "The Celtic Book of Days", by Caitlin Matthew, 1995. |
And this is my color comp thumb. Things obviously changed a tad.
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| Color Comp, Cailleach. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011. |
I know it sounds a bit silly but have you ever tried using illuminating ink good leaf? It may create a wonderful effect similar to that of the Book of Kells.
ReplyDeleteGood leaf? Do you mean gold leaf? I have not tried it, as I generally have a thing against metallic additions, but I like the idea of trying it. Thanks for the thought!
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with the Book of Kells illuminations, which are generally much more complex than what I was after here, but the sample knot work I posted has a similar look, and the yellow gold of that was something I appreciated.
I am rather still on the fence about the coloring of the border in this piece actually...
I do enjoy how the old lady turned out - a near and dear archetype for the both of us, I think! I'm not sure what it is, but I'm less thrilled with the border on this one. Perhaps it's simply my comparison to the crone herself - also, you were a wee bit rushed, if I recall. Hm...
ReplyDeleteTo think, though, that Bob tried to hide her behind the blackboard in his office! For shame, Bob.
Yes - hah - I talked about my thoughts to revise the border in this one in my reply to a post of yours earlier. I read that one first!
ReplyDelete(If interested, follow up on that reply at:
http://mairintajcaya.blogspot.com/2011/07/winter-reflection.html#comments)
This is one of my two favorite illustrations of The Cailleach. I did a reverse search to find who the artist is. I love it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting thouughts
ReplyDelete