7H

7h is borrowed from Greek mythological goddess Amphictyonis. She is the goddess of wine and friendship between nations, which goes some way to explain her slightly unreal presence and the wine leaves.  It is a contemporary take on what could otherwise be a typical ‘history painting’. In this portrayal, if you will, it was important that the deity was looking out in the distance (e.g. to other nations) but also looked equally mild mannered and focused on her job.

The woman is not 100% in profile because it is more interesting for this composition when she turns her head some degrees towards us. The painting has been produced using a mix of materials. It is perfectly alright to do so, as long as you apply the materials in an order that is safe and archivable. The underpainting is in acrylics, then there is gold leaf with egg tempera, and then finally it has been finished off in oil paint (layers as in fat over lean).

In many ways it was a fun project to complete. The many overlapping objects required some sequential thinking.

If you enjoy watching how the painting was produced, you can find a video below covering the stage where gilding takes place. The video is (how can we say it politely) wonderfully amateurish and authentic using a handheld mobile as a camera.

Find more paintings from the series here.

Title/Titel/Titel/Títolo #7H, Acrylic, egg tempera, gold leaf and oil on canvas/ Akryl, Eitempera, Gold Blatt und Öl auf Leinwand/Akryl og olie på lærred/acrílico,
tempera de ovo, folha de ouro e óleo sobre tela 120x100cm.