What a Winter we've been having here in the Northeast. I have gotten unused to Winter since my move to Florida several years ago, where temperatures in the 50s send people scurrying for their down jackets. But this Winter I've been in New York State, in the Hudson Valley, where we've had record amounts of snow. This image was created for my series, Forces Of Nature, about 2 years ago while in in Florida, but I called upon my many years of living in cold environments to help me imagine the dance of the Winter goddess. I guess that's what she is, reveling in her frosty medium. I originally conceived of the piece as a view looking over her shoulder as she hovered and brought frigid Winter conditions to a little town below. It never seemed to work. Then I played with the idea of her as a dancing figure, maybe even joyful. I used Heidi Bailey as my model, with Shirley Green as the photographer, Sharon Spiak for costume. My home team!Please leave your comments!
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6 comments:
Gorgeous work as always James.
Thanks, Eleni! It is always nice to hear from you and I'm glad you liked this piece. By the way, I didn't mention this in the blurb, Winter was not done for any book or publisher. I find doing my own projects is an important way to grow as an artist. I get to experiment and try things a publisher might not be ready for.It's very liberating!
I noticed you had one of my favorite paintings up on your Taverna blog, Meeting on the turret stairs, by Sir William Fredrick Burton. I thing it's one of the best of the pre-raphealite works.
James, I totally agree about the personal projects and expanding one's skills. Free reign on your creativity.
And isn't The Meeting on the Turret Stairs just a magical piece of work. The style, the colours, the way the characters are portrayed is just stunning.
If you don't mind, I may in future direct people to your website by placing up some of your work. I love the covers you have done for Denise Rossetti. In fact I have a cover flap of The Flame and the Shadow on a cork board above my desk. It's an inspirational, gorgeous piece.
It would be an honor. Thanks and yes, please post my pictures to your blog as you wish.
Best wishes, James
I'll agree, I live in NYC and this winter has been horrible. Gorgeous image. Very mystical.
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