Sacred Heart of Jesus Detail -Original Watercolor Painting
Afire in Love
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, 4.5x6 inches, pencil outline layered in high quality watercolor pigments on cold-pressed (textured) paper. Artist's signature clearly visible in fine-tipped brown art pen.
Watercolor paintings develop layer by layer until the portrait comes into focus — glowing and intricate. This particular palette is vibrant and bold, almost jolting compared to the delicate norm of watercolor! It grabs the viewer's attention, and I love observing the details and layers. (So. Many. Layers.)
There is a slight tear in the upper lefthand corner (pictured) from the removal of the painter's tape. I personally love this evidence of human touch, and I see it as another form of an artist's signature - elements only seen on original paintings which makes them so special.
Inspiration: This piece makes me think of one word: Afire. Our Lord's heart is literally ablaze with love for us, as revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Rather than a controlled burn, I surounded His whole heart with flames, originating from His Crown of Thorns. His pierced hands lay His suffering heart bear for us to see, moving the observer to love Him in return.
This piece was in part a study in colors and how I might layer them to form undertones, and Our Lord makes a fitting subject for such a nuanced study.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color not to distract from the bold palette and best showcase the painting. I'd set it in a frame that complements your home’s aesthetic, particularly in a dark wood or simple, thin metalic.
More information on how to best preserve and frame your artwork will come with your painting shippment. Please feel free to email me at rosalie.ardentdraws@gmail.com with any other questions!
