"The 'Mary' in Kimberly," panel painting in progress

(click on each image for a larger view)

I have started on a panel painting of "The 'Mary' in Kimberly" using an arched icon panel made by Pandora, my main panel supplier.  I am starting my painting with an egg tempera underpainting in soft greens including a pigment called Bohemian Green Earth, over which fleshtones will be laid in.  Egg tempera is a translucent painting medium used by icon writers of icon panels, and I use it overall for it's luminous effects.  Luminosity is built through the application of many thin translucent layers of paint.

"The 'Mary' in Kimberly", Two Versions

Study for "The 'Mary' in Kimberly," 19"W x 25"H, pastel and gold leaf on pink paper

Sketch for "The 'Mary' in Kimberly," 19"W x 25"H, charcoal and pastel on grey paper

Both of these pastels were done in preparation for portraying the 'Mary' in Kimberly, and the study with gold leaf has already been purchased by its model.

preliminary drawing for "The 'Mary' in Me"

I've started this sketch to begin exploring the 'Mary' within me, by drawing myself from looking directly in the mirror.  Did you notice that before I posted this I also flipped the image so that I could be seen as others see me also?

The 'Divine' in Arlynne

"The 'Divine' in Arlynne," 25"W x 19"H, pastel and charcoal on blue paper

Next I did a study, "The 'Divine' in Arlynne."  I discovered, once I had made this pastel, that the the Divine aspect I see within Arlynne is actually the Hebrew character of Ruth.  Although it's much more complex in terms of scriptural interpretation, and it's only part of what I see in Arlynne, one example is that in Ruth's life she faced difficult situations by delivering strength with hesed, or lovingkindness. 

It occurs to me underneath it all that if lovingkindness is genuine, it's actually our lovingkindness, our compassion, that helps us to be strong in the face of our difficulties, and not the other way around, but what do you think?  Do you see the 'Ruth' in it's dual nature as it expresses itself through Arlynne in this drawing too?

"The 'Mary' in Karen"

"The 'Mary' in Karen," 6"W x 4"H, egg tempera on panel miniature

I'd like to begin sharing with you my journey of working on this spiritual portrait series with what I have done so far, with the idea of posting continually on my progress.  So far I have portrayed three women, and here is the first painting I have done.  The Divine Feminine within Karen, as I see it, is Mary.

I thought I knew what the 'Mary' in Karen was, but when I painted this painting I found out that God had a better idea than I did, and it spurred an entire series from this one tiny miniature.  More on God's idea later,--- but do you see, if it is inherent in Karen's spiritual nature, what the 'Mary' within Karen is?

Happy New Year and Please Check Back

I wish all of us a more joyful year in 2009!

I will be posting soon on this unique portrait blog, so please visit again to watch it as it unfolds. Thank you.