' The world of pure spirits stretches between the divine nature and the world of human beings; because divine wisdom has ordained that the higher should look after the lower, angels execute the divine plan for human salvation: they are our guardians, who free us when hindered and help to bring us home. '
'Guardian' - The counterpart to the painting 'Angel' is almost complete, just adding the finishing touches to the background. I am taking my time for this, as inspiration cannot be rushed, and I must go with the spirit of the painting in developing the tones needed to compliment the form in a delicate way, to ensure perfection in this painting and for the paintings yet to come in this seraphic style.
Inspiration for this piece came by sculptures of classical antiquity, encapsulating the sense of safety, strength and protection. I was also inspired by the Spartan warriors, their characters and striking description from their upbringing to their toughest moments of survival. I found this video to be quite inspiring!
The spirit of the warrior is something special, that runs through our hero's to this day. The sculpture 'Achilles Wounded' by Innocenzo Fraccaroli in 1842, was the main visual source of inspiration for this painting. Using artistic licence, I changed the helmet to a more accurate style for an Ancient Greek, and the Spartan's shield, featuring Medusa Gorgonian. Often called an 'Argive' shield. it not only protected it's owner in battle but showed his allegiance to a particular city-state or leader. The figures painted on its exterior were also often meant to show the courage of its bearer and to intimidate the enemy. The Gorgoneion was a special amulet showing the Gorgon head, used most famously by Athena and Zeus. It was assumed, among other godlike attributes, as a royal aegis to imply divine birth or protection. The Pyrrhike was the most famous war dance in ancient Greece, which became the national dance of Sparta, and persisted there long after Greece became a province of the Roman Empire and similar war dances had died out in other cities.
Since my studies in Florence, I feel such a divine and holy connection with this painting, every stroke in the oils merges with my spirit, and I am so looking forward to building my collection of classical style paintings.
Two new canvases have been stretched and ready for a new pair of paintings in my classical series, perchance destined to depict 'Adam and Eve'. These paintings will inspired from several different reference sources to put together the composition I have envisioned. For more information, keep an eye on my Instagram!