Saint John Paul II the Great -Original Watercolor Painting
Pope Saint John Paul II the Great
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, 6.9x9.5 inches, pencil outline layered in high quality watercolor pigments on cold-pressed (textured) paper. Artist's initials clearly visible in fine-tipped brown art pen.
Watercolor paintings develop layer by layer until the portrait comes into focus — radiant and delicate. This particular palette is muted and jewel-toned, with cool peach, warm teal, and gold pigments.
This portrait depicts Pope JPII deep in prayer, blocking out all the distractions of the world around him as he focuses on the Eucharistic Presence inside him. The watercolor layers are sometimes distict and sometimes elusive, but the way they came together in this piece is intricate and intelligent like its subject.
Inspiration: Pope John Paul II was full of life and energy here on earth, determined to spread God's love wherever her went. As I was browsing through photographs in preparation for this piece, there were many portraying his enthusiastic smile and love for each and every soul.
I try to discover what each saint is "saying" on their feast day by discerning elements that strike me most particularly...
The contrast of his energetic photographs with his prayerful images is awe-inspiring. He goes from being so pationately in love with the persons in this world to completely blocking all of it out, and finding peace interiorly. It's like he's hiding behind the cross, letting Jesus ward everything else away so they can spend intimate time together.
It's a reminder that all his intelligence, all his talent, strength, and love came from God and from prayer.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color to highlight the delicate color and best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements the palette of your home’s aesthetic, particularly in a light-colored wood or simple metalic frame.
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!
