St. Thomas More -Original Watercolor Painting
"I die the King's good servant, and God's first."
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, 9x10 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 — delicate and loose. This particular piece is unique and eye-catching, with a green background and stong, contasting strokes. Watercolor loves to dry in its own way, and I love letting it do so. Some layers were thick and some transparent, but they came together to form an detailed work.
Inspiration: I'm a big fan of the famous film, A Man for All Seasons, and this piece certainly takes after Paul Scofield while also incorporating features from Saint Thomas' contemporary portrait. His expression is pensive and playful, which I think accurately reflects the tone of St. Thomas' life story and his writings.
I try to discover what each saint is "saying" in their portraits by discerning elements that strike me most particularly. Through prayer and reflection, the thing that stood out to me about St. Thomas was his gentle steadfastness in the truth, in spite of what his king and family were urging. It calls to mind our own mission as Catholics in the public square, never wavering from what the Church teaches and never advocating for anything contrary to it.
Framing: I imagine this painting matted or floating over a mat in a neutral cream color to highlight the vintage palette and best showcase the portrait. I'd set it in a frame that complements your home’s aesthetic, perhaps wooden 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!
