Murdhuacha of the Kelp Forests – progress
Most of my painting this last week has been working on this character. I have just finished highlighting the background today as well as layering in the base colors for the figure. The concept sketch of her is below you can click on her image to read the literary sketch. I have not quite tapped into her darker side in the painting yet.
It has been more meditative than painting usually is. In part I imagine because I really have to detach from outcome more when painting backgrounds. That helps me keep from overdoing the background too. After all we have to focus first and most keenly on what is before us.
I have been doing a lot of traveling and taking many more little pilgrimages these last couple weeks as well. I realize retrospectively how much I was wading in the tides. I have been re-evaluating where, how, and when I spend my energy. What comes back and serves my larger goals. What, that does not feed back into the goals, feeds back into my spirit core through emotions or information.
Through this process I have really been forced to listen to my feelings. The whole time I was diving into myself I was trying to paint watery depth. Omission of ones manifesting desire is a wretched and choking thing. Even if you are forced to sacrifice some time, space, or method- stick to the devotion. The energy will multiply when you follow through for your deepest self.
Artist Notes
- High quality translucent pigments are a must
- 300lb paper to avoid cockling with so many washed layers
- Pthalo is perfect of transparency and cool watery depth
