Saint Lucy -Original Watercolor Painting
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, 6.2x9.8 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 neutral and festive, perfect for Christmas time yet appropriate all year long.
I love the pops of vibrant red, representative of her martyrdom, and the contrast against her white robe, a symbol of her purity and holiness. I chose to form a delicate halo in the light of her candles, which gives her more of a glow.
Inspiration: Saint Lucy was an early Roman martyr from Syracuse, and though not much is known about her life, St. Lucy's Day is actually a very festive celebration in Italy and Sweden!
I know she is generally portrayed with a plate of eyes in reference to her torture and martyrdom, but I chose to reflect on the great impact she's had on these two very different countries! Here she is pictured with classic Sicilian features and a more simple gold headpiece, while dressed in the traditional Swedish Santa Lucia get-up and holding traditional Swedish St. Lucia Buns.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color to allow the delicate colors to pop and best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements your home’s aesthetic, perhaps in a darker wood or 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!
