Saints Perpetua and Felicity -Original Watercolor Painting
Mothers and Martyrs
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, 9x11 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 — radiant and intricate. This particular palette is summery and bold, reflecting the strength of these heroic martyrs.
Inspiration: Perpetua (right) and Felicity (left) are generally portrayed together, and here they are depicted as almost leaning on each other, though each is steady in their own right. In spite of their imprisonment and impending martyrdom, they have determined and almost calm demeanors.
As always, I researched tirelessly to honor their ethnicities and historical placement. Though Felicity's skin tone is lighter than I had intended, their facial features and clothing accurately reflect women of Carthage, in Ancient Rome. Perpetua was a noblewoman, likely of Roman decent, and Felicity was a slave with unknown ethnicity, so I portrayed her resembling Tuninsian features.
I try to discover what each saint is "saying" on their feast day by discerning elements that strike me most particularly...
On their feast day, as I read of their tortures and death, the main thing running through my heart is that so many of us are such incredible cowards! These beautiful mothers inspire me to be stronger, more faithful, and fearless.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color to highlight 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, especially a light-colored wooden 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!
