St. Maximilian Kolbe -Original Watercolor Painting
Founder of the Militia of the Immaculata
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 bold like its subject, and the layers and strokes give interest in even the tiniest detail.
Saint Max is giving his signature challenging look in this portrait, posed as the hero he truly is. Behind him is the theme of his prison garb in Auschwitz, glorified by the crown-halo above him.
Inspiration: I combined three elements when developing this painting: a historical pose (in sepia tones), his prison uniform, and the story of the two crowns. When St. Maximilian was young, Our Lady appeared to him and asked which crown he would choose, a crown of martyrdom or of purity. He chose them both, and although St. Max had said they were white and red, I reimagined the cumulation of the two crowns to be golden and bright, like a halo.
I try to discover what each saint is "saying" on their feast day by discerning elements that strike me most. On his feast day, I was struck by the determination in his gaze in his more popular photographs. Even before his arrest, imprisonment, and execution, St. Maximilian was brave and strong in his faith.
Most particularly, he had an unwavering devotion to Our Lady, and a manly disposition toward owning one's Faith. He one said, "Be a Catholic: when you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before Whom you kneel."
I can practically feel him saying these words while observing this portrait.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral white or cream color to highlight the simple palette and best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements your home’s aesthetic, perhaps in a wood or a thin, silver.
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!
