MEDIUM/GROUND: Acrylic, water colour pencil, acrylic gel medium on canvas
SIZE: 16" x 20" unframed
DESCRIPTION:
Inspired by witnessing wild swans on the Hoquiam River in Washington State. The artist enjoyed using a controlled drip method to imitate the effect of a tree lined hill side in the background and the foreground "waters". The canvas surface is actually stained with whispers of color in areas, offering a softness to balance the powerful thick brush strokes of the bird.
The swan is the symbol of whitening, the albedo, in the alchemical "Great Work"; the lunar tincture -- the white elixir of alchemy. It is said that if it rises, "then life has vanquished death, then the king is resurrected." (- J. Pernetty, Dictionnaire mythohermetique, 1758). This painting, then, represents all the hope of a new day. In spiritual alchemy, or personal developement, the white swan is the representation of the first illumination of the soul, while still in contact with the physical realm, represented by the water; the White Light of Spirit and Near Death Experiences.
5 of 14 Comments Show All 14 Comments
Jo-Ann Hayden 26 Apr 2008
Executed beautifulyAnonymous Guest 04 Apr 2006
Wow this really is a wonderful peice.Great colors and shade.Christine brand 09 Nov 2005
Like a spirit of water and light, a baptism of the soul! Beautiful expressions of love!Sarah Fox 18 Jul 2005
wow- this swan is beautiful! i love swans- specifically black swans. but this white swan is really well painted! love it!Emily Reed 18 Jul 2005
Oh gosh, this is breathtaking!