Sunday 16 February 2014

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.

14 comments:

  1. It's really lovely, I love the way the eyes almost pop out at you, and it's fascinating to see the photos of the work in progress.

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  2. It's so lovely to see your work developing and the finished item is really beautiful. Hope you have a good week.

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  3. I love seeing the stages of your painting. The painting round the edge of the canvas is very clever.

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  4. It was wonderful to see how you created your painting. I really like the wood nymph's expression, she looks so peaceful.
    Ali xx

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  5. It's a lovely painting Jan. I especially like the way you painting around the edges. Truly beautiful!

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  6. I really like seeing how a project comes together. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  7. This is gorgeous, those eyes are amazing! Its very interesting to see the stages of your work too, your blending is so flawless! x

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  8. I enjoyed seeing how the finished item gets to that point and I love Green man things, I have a plaque on my wall but it's not as nice as your picture!

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  9. Very expressive face and I agree, it's great to see the stages that lead to the final result. :)

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  10. It's stunning. I love how you've managed to make the eyes really stand out. It's interesting to see the various stages of progress xx

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  11. Thanks for sharing the progression of your painting.

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  12. I really loved this painting! Beautiful work and colours! <3

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  13. I love,love,love your painting!!! It is beautiful!!!!

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  14. Thanks - I love watching paintings develop, I find it fascinating to see it step by step.

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I love reading your comments and I'll always try to get back to you :)