May 24, 2012

Lucy the Valiant

My friend and I share a love of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. She named her baby girl Lucy, after one of the main characters. Naturally, I wanted to do a painting for her with elements of the story. And since Aslan (the lion) is such a central piece of the plot, I wanted to incorporate him. I don't usually draw animals so I wasn't sure how I'd do this at first. I knew it wouldn't be realistic but I didn't want it looking cartoon-ish either. So I ended up sketching his face on tissue paper and letting the pattern be his mane.
The break-through of spring is a big theme in the first book.
One of the best quotes from the entire series--my friend's favorite (this is not the entire quote, only an excerpt).
I'm working on more story-art. Combining them has such a powerful connection for me.
{This print now available in my shop}

Wishing you a fantastic weekend full of beauty and tender moments!



51 comments :

  1. Oh...lovely...and that is a big love to call your child after the main character...wow...love how you do your eyelashes too...xxx

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    1. Yes it is; my son is actually named after a character too. :)

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  2. Wonderful! I love the Chronicles of Narnia too. You've captured it well!

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    1. Oh thank you Helen, I'm happy to hear that from a lover of the books!

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  3. What a delightful piece, I love ow you've captured the elusive quality of the lion! Happy PPF!

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    1. I wanted him to be a bit hidden so I'm glad that came through. Thanks Robin!

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  4. Loving how you've done Aslan. A lovely mixed media collage. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  5. I love the lion hiding there - he is very grand. It looks like this was a fun project.

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  6. You do Aslan justice and honor:-) That is one of my all-time favorite quotes as well! Lucy's eyelashes are superb.

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    1. That makes me so happy! :D It's one of your favorite quotes too? I wanted to put the whole passage on, but it seemed too much.

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    2. I know, the whole passage is good! But this does capture the essence of it. I have lived by this reminder of the King for the last 6 months after suffering a great loss... this quote both brings hope and caution - the journey just is not always easy. Worth it? Yes. But not easy.

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    3. So sorry you've suffered a great loss. You're right, not easy but worth it.

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  7. I love your story art! Especially love the lion.

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  8. Your interpretation of the story is lovely. I agree, the lacey mane is perfect. Beautiful work. Happy PPF

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  9. such a sweet piece
    how wonderful that it is also full of meaning

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  10. Aslan is great and I love the inclusion of the quote... really nice work this week and the tie in the Narnia is great... I loved those books so much growing up...xx

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    1. I'm working more words into my art because I love them so! Thanks, Tracey!

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  11. I love it! read the books and watched the movies as well :D

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    1. My family went to see all the movies too! But of course, nothing's as good as the books. ;D

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  12. Lion is wonderful and whole creation is done so well ~ great art work ~ thanks, namaste, ^_^

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    1. I liked getting a (little ways) out of my comfort zone this time with the lion. :)

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  13. geesh, this is so beautiful, and thoughtful!! you are so talented! I always love to see your artwork! so inspiring!
    -m

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  14. This is really wonderful! Narnia is one of my favourite series! Great artwork!

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    1. I'm happy to see so many fans of the books! They're simple yet complex. Thanks Vivi!

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  15. Wow the Lion is fabulous!! What a great idea...great quote too!! She will love it!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  16. Love the subtlety of the lion and the play of the figure-ground relationship.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  17. Very beautiful, I love the way you did the lion!

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  18. LOVE your painting my friend :)

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    1. Awww, thank you. She kind of reminds me of my friend. :)

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  20. It's beautiful! I love the quote for the movie. Your style is wonderful and vibrant! Happy PPF!

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  21. Your Aslan looks as magnanimous as the real one! Love the whole concept and that excerpt especially!

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    1. I'm glad to hear that because I was so shaky about him to begin with. Thank you!

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  22. amazing piece of work. it is so meaningful and boisterous! i hope i chose the right words hehe. i am an artist too- www.katrina-jones.co.uk i hope you like mine too! <3

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  23. Wow! What a great idea and I love Narnia and its characters and with your talent, your friend is in for a real treat! Can't wait to see more of your work.

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  24. Janine, aka Lucy's mom :)August 22, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    Thanks so much again, friend, for this beautiful painting! I loved getting to hear it's story - your creative process and how it came together. It makes me so happy that we both share a love of good stories and, in reading the comments made here, I hope you will get to do more "word incorporation" into your artwork. How cool would that be? :) I pray this painting will be treasured by our family and eventually, Lucy's family, for many, many years to come. You did such wonderful work with it! Love you!

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