time_to_go_scanning

 Now that the Seraph is complete I must quest for a large scanner.  This is an ongoing quest for all artists until you decide to drop some G's on a personal big Epson.

I am putting the angel in a kind of bubble so I'll know where to cut when I get the full scale print.

Esotericism?

The first of the 9_angels_9 is nearly complete.  Soon it will grow 3 times in size.

have_faith

A wise priest came into Utrecht yesterday and told me that if I had done my proper research I would have read that the Seraph only uses the top 2 of its 6 wings to fly.  The middle wings cover the chest while the lower wings cover the private parts.  Too bad my Seraph is full spread eagle.  We don't stop.

studio_visit

In my studio, the ground is the palette.  It's just easier like that.  And it's pretty.

wing_night_tonight

As i mentioned before I'm illustrating the Christian Angelic Hierarchy.  There are nine types of angels within three major groups known as "choirs" or "spheres."  
These are the types:

choir 1
1) Seraphim (above)
2) Cherubim
3) Thrones

choir 2
4) Dominions
5) Virtues
6) Powers

choir 3
7) Principalities
8)Archangels
9) regular Angels (also above)

I am depicting the regular angels as flat golden circles blotched with paint.  They will be in every piece.

what color is an angel's skin?

 When seraphim come to Earth, they leave their serpent appearance behind, preferring tall, thin, clean-cut human embodiments.  But nothing is said about the color of their skin.  

The gold foil "fiery light" is complete.  If you look carefully at the above image you will notice a lottery ticket on the left of this angel.  Would winning the lottery make me a better artist?

goin_for_the_gold

 Picked up some fake gold leaf a.k.a gold foil from work.  You can see a pad of it in the image below.  The seraphim are surrounded by a fiery light so bright that nothing, not even other angelic beings, can look upon them.  The name Seraphim means "the burning ones."

I would have liked to use real gold leaf but apparently it is hundreds of dollars for a few small sheets.  Maybe next time.  I showed the above image to my favorite teller at the bank and she said "Is that cheese?"

and grows

 Check out my foot.

 In these pictures you can also see my photo reference.  There are three pieces of sculpture I photoshop-collaged to build this angel.

Seraph_grows

 The Seraph grows taller.  I am referencing parts of classical sculptures that I have pieced together in photo shop.  Many of the angels will be copies of sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini who was easily the most skilled marble sculptor of 17th century Rome.

 All of the wall decals in the bar will mimic exclamation marks.  !!!!!!

9_Angel_9_(Seraph)

 The preliminary angel_1 is complete. Now I must illustrate the Christian Angelic Hierarchy.  My paintings will line the walls of the famous Tusk Lounge, which is being renamed "The Angel Bar."   

 There are 9 types of angels I will be depicting in 6 pieces.  The first and highest ranking of the angels is the SERAPH. 

The Seraphim (plural) are said to be closest to God, protecting his throne and shouting "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!"  There are only 4 of them.  They have six wings and are described as "fiery serpents." For this reason some believe that Lucifer was a seraph before his fall but many argue he was actually a cherub.  Next time I'm in Italy I'll have to ask the Pope.

Angel_1_installed

 Now that Angel_1 is complete I use special powers to create a wall decal.  The man in the above image is Brandon Webb son of Walter Webb and Co-owner of a new restaurant opening in Mount Vernon (my neighborhood in Baltimore).

The restaurant is a historical landmark in Baltimore.  Known originally as The Brass Elephant, this establishment was THE fine dining spot in central Mount Vernon for more than thirty years until it was forced to close roughly 4 years ago due to the floundering economy.  Now it is reopening and it will be called The Museum. 

Angel_1

Angel_1 complete, isolated in photoshop, ready for phase 2

Still paintin

Angel_intro

I'm working on a painting

13 Bonsai

 Chinese Pepper, 16 x 20, Brown extra, sold

 Dawn Redwood, 16 x 20, Brown extra

 White Chinese Elm, 24 x 24, Red, sold

 Lacebark Elm, 24x24, Red, sold

 Hinoki Cypress, 24 x 24, Red

 Japanese Black Pine, 24x24, Red

 Japanese Larch, 24 x 30, Purp

 Chinese Banyan Fig, 24 x 30, Purp

 Japanese Juniper, 30 x 30, Brown

 Lebanon Cedar, 30 x 30, Brown

 Sugi, 30 x 30, Brown

 Hollywood Juniper, 36 x 42, Green, sold

Satsuki Azalea, 48 x 60, Big Blue

Bonsai continues...
I began this work on the eleventh of November back in 2011.  It was displayed in Brewers Art from Febs to April.  Nine of Thirteen remain.  I will paint their leaves, frame them, and sell them.  Thanks to my patrons and peoples.  Much love from Baltimore.  My next series focuses on Angels.