St. Francis of Assisi -Original Watercolor Painting
Founder of the Franciscan Order
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, 6x8 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 (pictured).
Inspiration: Our Lord commanded him directly, "Francis, rebuild my Church." Honestly, I like to think of St. Francis more as a vivid and charismatic reformer than a quiet lover of animals... He lived a monastic life, but he was also incredible bold!
•He cast away his title and worldly possessions (including his fine clothing) in front of a church and a crowd.
•He rebuilt an abandoned chapel with his bare hands because he thought it was God's will.
•He travelled all the way from Italy to Egypt to convert the Sultan in hopes of putting an end to the conflict of the Crusades.
This man rebuilt the spiritual life and structure of the Church of his day through his pious example and through his introduction of Franciscan monastic life. (Did you know he directed the first live Nativity pageant?)
And yet... He wrote beautiful, tender prayers, called animals sisters and brothers, preached to birds, and lived in a mountain semi-hermitage surrounded by wildlife. His whole person is both vibrant, bold, and gentle, peaceful. I tried to embody that character a bit in this portrait, allowing his hair and face to be unkept, but depicting a moment of calm as he admires a bird -God's creation- in his palm.
Framing: I imagine this paper piece matted in a neutral white or cream color to best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements the color palette of your home’s aesthetic. The simplicity of the painting's palette allows for interpretation.
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!
