The Wood Nymph, a painting on canvas

This week I thought I'd show you a Work in Progress of one of my paintings, this is a 12 x 12inch stretched box canvas. For those who have followed my blog for a while know that I occasionally like to paint the Green Man or Wood Nymph. 

Now here is the Green Man explanation bit..... 

The Green Man is a representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves, branches, vines or flowers. Commonly used as an architectural decoration Green Men are frequently found in carvings on buildings. It is usually interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of growth each spring. The image is popular with artists from around the world interweaving the imagery into various modes of work. 

This painting isn't the traditional Green Man, Gnarled Man of the Woods or the Man of Oak but a Wood Nymph or Tree Sprite. 

After a quick sketch I've started to lay down the flesh tones and blend them together

Work in Progress Acrylic Painting

Here, the eyes and mouth are beginning to take shape and definition

Painting the Green Eyes & the Mouth

I painted in the lush green background then added the leaves and swirly tendrils

Adding the Background, Leaves and Tendrils

I have painted around the sides of the canvas and it can be either hung up or stood on a shelf or unit.

Painted around the edges of the Box Canvas

The finished painting on a shelf

The Wood Nymph painting on canvas

I hope you have enjoyed seeing this WiP

Jan x

I'm popping this over to Handmade Harbour's Linky Party and checking out the other great blogs that take part.