Description

As you can see this celestial art painting has a lot of symbols referencing astrology. When I traveled to Spain I took pictures of ancient Islamic art there.  Places like Cordoba, Granada, and Seville have unbelievably beautiful ancient mosques and churches. In Granada in particular, you can see the sophistication of 10th and 11th-century Arab culture expressed in detailed writing about surgeries, surgical tools, astronomical observations and the invention of instruments for observing the stars. Also, artists chiseled wall and ceiling decorations in repetitive patterns that consisted of symbols and writing, not the images we normally see especially in Christian art (images were prohibited by the religion). Islamic architecture and its decorations are the most fascinating tourist attractions in Spain.

I found the astronomical instruments fascinating taking many reference pictures there. One of such images became the background for my colored pencil drawing. I think the circular movement around the model’s head creates yet another layer of meaning similar to the depictions of saints with golden halos above their heads. I also crowned the woman with stars and moon tiara. She is frozen in time listening to the ocean waves inside the seashell.

All in all, I wanted to create magical feeling in the astral painting to symbolize the unity of body, mind and soul.  While we can give physical presence to objects, it’s difficult to assign a particular way to depict the spiritual realm. This is where artists come in with imagination and sensitivity to observe and to show the world differently.

Another side for creation of this drawing is so well written by a singer Melanie C. Her words in this song symbolize a lot of my personal growth that in turn gives me daily inspiration for my art.

“Who I Am” by Melanie C

I was building my amour so I could fit in
To avoid any drama I would shut my mouth, I hid
I was lost in the ruins of who I thought I should be
I forgot I was human, I must set my body free

They don’t recognize when I’m being honest
‘Cause I wasn’t before
No, they may not like it but I’m not sorry

That’s who I am
No, I’ve got nothing left to hide, hide
I’m comfortable with what’s inside, side (That’s who I am)
You think you’ve known me all this time, time
But the real me is mine, mine (That’s who I am)
That’s who I am

When I look in the mirror I finally like what I see
There’s been so many changes
I accept they’re a part of me

They don’t recognize when I’m being honest
Because I wasn’t before
No, they may not like it but I’m not sorry

That’s who I am
No, I’ve got nothing left to hide, hide
I’m comfortable with what’s inside, side (That’s who I am)
You think you’ve known me all this time, time
But the real me is mine, mine (That’s who I am)

That’s who I am
That’s who I am
Don’t recognize me

That’s who I am
No I’ve got nothing left to hide, hide
I’m comfortable with what’s inside, side (That’s who I am)
You think you’ve known me all this time, time
But the real me is mine, mine. (That’s who I am)

I’m ready to drop my armor
It will make me stronger
Drop my armor
That’s who I am

I’m ready to drop my armor
It will make me stronger
Drop my armor
That’s who I am

This drawing is also available for purchase at Exhibit Antiques. Inquire: https://www.exhibitantiques.com/

16×12 inches

Original colored pencil drawing on wood board

Lightfast colors and markers

Price excludes framing. Frame with non-glare UV-glass is recommended

a certificate of authenticity guarantees the provenance

This original oil painting ships from my studio in Naples, Florida via FedEx ground or other requested service.

Delivery time & shipping:

The artwork ships within a week after receiving payment in full. If it requires framing, please allow for additional 3-week turnaround. Payment plans are available. If you’re not comfortable checking out here, I can send you a bill via PayPal to complete the transaction.

International shipping is available to some countries. To receive a quote e-mail to nika@veronicasart.com

The creation of this colored pencil portrait drawing is a multi step process. It involves a slow process of layering color to build up the contrast. I draw with oil-based polychromos colored pencils to make water-resistant art. I apply 2 coats of varnish to seal the surface.

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