22x30” watercolor and india ink on paper.
This piece also utilizes a color shift watercolor that changes color depending on the angle you are viewing it by. The framework of the wings shift between orange and green, and also possess an iridescence that sparkles in the light.
My paintings start with a pencil sketch followed by layers of watercolor until the saturation and tones are where I want them… and then comes the India Ink. Sometimes I can spend as many hours at this stage as I did in the painting itself.
Cordelia
Once upon a time, nestled in the whispers of ancient forests and the twinkling of distant stars, there existed a realm where magic danced on the very breath of the wind. In this enchanted realm, fairies, those elusive beings of ethereal beauty and mischievous charm, held court.
Originating from the deepest recesses of nature's embrace, fairies are said to be born from the delicate kiss of moonlight upon dew-kissed petals and the laughter of babbling brooks. Some believe they emerge from the heart of ancient trees, where the roots intertwine with the secrets of the earth and the branches reach for the infinite sky.
Ah, but tales of fairies have woven themselves into the tapestry of human folklore for eons, whispered around flickering campfires and passed down through generations. Among the most famous of these tales is that of the mischievous Puck from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," whose playful antics and clever tricks stirred both laughter and chaos.
Then there's the tale of the benevolent fairy godmother, who, with a wave of her wand and a sprinkle of stardust, transforms humble pumpkins into grand carriages and ragged rags into resplendent gowns, all to grant the heartfelt wishes of deserving souls.
But oh, the magic they possess! Fairies are renowned for their enchantments, weaving spells of shimmering light and subtle persuasion. They are said to possess the power to heal wounded hearts and minds, to guide lost souls through the labyrinth of life, and to bestow blessings upon those who honor the natural world.
From the gentle glow of fireflies to the riotous colors of a rainbow, fairies wield magic as varied as the hues of a twilight sky. They whisper secrets to the flowers, coaxing them to bloom with unparalleled beauty, and sing melodies that stir the very depths of the soul.
But beware, dear traveler, for fairies are as capricious as they are captivating. They may lead you on a merry chase through moonlit glades or play tricks that leave you bewildered yet enchanted. Approach them with reverence and respect, and you may find yourself blessed with their favor.
So, let your imagination take flight on gossamer wings, and dare to believe in the wonder of fairies, those enchanting guardians of the natural world who remind us that magic lies just beyond the veil of reality.