The Wood Nymph – sold

Oil on canvas, 12″x9″

This is my version of a Pre-Raphaelite wood nymph. She’s an ethereal, enchanted creature who wanders unscathed through misty woods in a diaphanous gown. Bedecked with a floral crown and clusters of violets in her flowing locks, she seems a bit wary and ready to take flight.

Inspired by the fanciful art of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, in particular the later work of John William Waterhouse, I kept this painting delicate and impressionistic. I like the effect of the silvery light and the soft brushwork which allows the figure to merge with her natural surroundings. I enjoyed painting this figure within the natural scene and how it hints at a story. This is a theme I may explore further in future.

The original painting is sold but fine art prints in various forms are available here

January 14, 2018January 14, 2018 by Pat Kelley Categories: figurativeTags: beautiful face, boho, ethereal, female figurative art, impressionist, moody, oil painting, pat kelley, Pre-Raphaelite, white, wood nymph 2 Comments

Portrait Study of a Young Woman – sold

Oil on canvas, 12″x9″

In this study I wanted to work on a classic portrait while exploring cool skin tones and looser brushwork. I also wanted to change things up a bit from my more stylized portraits based on black and white photos of ladies from long ago. I found some lovely violets and blues in this portrait of a beautiful dark haired girl with almost translucent skin. The result is a contemporary realist portrait with a lively surface quality and casual elegance.

When I look at my work in retrospect I realize that I favor painting faces and figures but I don’t always have the most consistent style. This is considered a bad thing in the art world but I draw upon different inspirations and get bored painting the same way over and over. It would be nice to have a distinct and recognizable look. I’m hopeful a strong visual identity will emerge in time even if I don’t exactly know how that happens.

January 1, 2018 by Pat Kelley Categories: PortraitTags: beautiful face, boho, contemporary realism, female figurative art, Original art, original oil painting, portrait, process, style, woman with dark hair 4 Comments