Our Lady of Fatima -Original Watercolor Painting
Our Lady of the Rosary
A Year of Saints: Created as part of the A Year of Saints Collection. Learn more about this collection and the outlook that shaped my process HERE.
Details: An original painting, unframed, 9x10 inches, pencil outline layered in high quality watercolor pigments on cold-pressed (textured) paper. Artist's initials clearly visible in light pencil.
Watercolor paintings develop layer by layer until the portrait comes into focus — glowing and intricate. This particular palette is delicate and bright, like the late-spring day on which she first appeared.
This piece highlights the gentleness and humility of Our Lady. Her beauty and downcast eyes reminds us to quiet our minds, and the calming blue of the background leaves a feeling of peace and meditation. Her whole persona gently urges us to echo with her, "Fiat," and to pray the rosary, as she did with the Fatima children.
Inspiration: Our Lady is Mother and Queen to all of us on earth, even with our various cultural and physical differences. It is remarkable and beautiful that she in each apparition, the Virgin Mary takes on the ethinicty of whom she appears to.
As always, I researched tirelessly to honor the country of Portugal in which she appeared. I discovered the Portuguese love of lace, especially during that time period, and adorned her with the most delicate lace roses I could render. Her veil design remains true to the traditional rendering of Our Lady of Fatima. Her visiage portrays a youthful shape with golden brown hair and fair skin.
I try to discover what each saint is "saying" on their feast day by discerning elements that strike me most particularly...
On the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I was impressed again by her desire for us to say the rosary. In this painting, I imagine she is saying the rosary with us, her children, teaching us to pray. She is waiting for us to finish the Hail Mary's so she can join us in the Glory Be's.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color to complement the summery palette and best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements the color palette of your home’s aesthetic, particularly in a light-colored wood or simple, thin metalic.
More information on how to best preserve and frame your artwork will be included in your shippment. Please feel free to email me at rosalie.ardentdraws@gmail.com with any other questions!
