TJ's WIP: Sahel the Goddess of Nature

Hi Everyone!

In my previous ramble update, I spoke about a painting that I couldn't show you, but now with the auction coming up on September 16th, I can! A bunch of you have already seen the painting floating around on Facebook, but I thought a few more peeks would be fun to stare at!

I didn't had a real idea of what I wanted to paint. I only wanted to incorporate a sense of freedom. How vague does that sound huh? Haha. Either way, I googled some references and came across one with the pose you see below, I think that printed the reference as soon as I saw it as I can't find it anywhere on my laptop! Either way, I was immediately drawn to it and decided to use it as a base.

Sketch, sketch! I drew the lady on a smaller scale first and after scanning, I drew her on an A4 size paper. I had a vague idea about the background and flowers where the only thing floating in my mind. I decided to only focus on the lady first.

With colored pencils I drew the flow of the water and then I started to add layers of paint. I also got a better idea of the background, but looking back... it was kind of a big risk that I took. I started to drop colors, like blops of greens, blue and a mixture of various colors to create a nature background...I seriously had a few moment where I though "Now why the %*^&* did I do that?!"...

At this point I was also thinking "Ehm...this doesn't look like something I'd normally paint...", so I proceeded bugging my sisters and asking if it was looking okay. I usually just have to keep on going when I reach this stage of pondering haha. So that's exactly what I did...

Excuse the light. The day turned in to evening before I knew and I was working in the living room and the light gets pretty crappy for pictures there. As you can see, I started to bring out the flowers and grassy areas at the front and soft, misty bushes and trees in the back.

Final touches!! Some sparkles here and there!! She just had to have some sparkles haha.

Voila! The Goddess of Nature is born ^_^. I hope she brings lots of luck to the cause and that she goes to a good home as well. The illustration is done completely with watercolors and a touch of black, pearly and gold ink. The size is 30 x 25 cm.

My painting and many others, will be auctioned this upcoming Sunday, September 16th. As soon as I know more about the auction details, I'll mention here, Facebook & Twitter. All proceeds go to the cause and I will be shipping the painting. So the buyer can expect a lovely TJ package ^_^. For now you can read more by going to this article "Countdown To Song of Sahel Auction". You can find more art over there as well!

With this, I shall leave you...

Till next time, everyone!