If she were/was a boy...

... I would have called her Cliff!

Sorry, couldn't resist a little humour. I've never been one to take things too seriously, not even dreamy maidens hanging around dramatic seascapes. I'm just trying to lighten the sombre mood she gives off. Is she a ghost girl do you think, watching and waiting for her lover to return from his watery grave?

A little try-out sketch for a potential painting (and sharing for Sunday Sketches). I want this lady to meld into the sunset over the rocky coastline, her hair swirling with the waves as they float up to the shore. Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites.

Speaking of Rosetti and chums, there is an upcoming exhibition of their work at Tate Britain... I am thinking a little trip to our capital city... Anyone want to join me?

Postscript
I spent much time deliberating over the correct use of was & were in the title. What a conundrum. She's ghostly, so that implies past tense (was), but she's also somewhat improbable where you might wish to to use 'were'. In the end I couldn't decide and used both. You decide! (I would hate to be picked up for being grammatically incorrect!)

Myth and Magic

I spent an hour today with foolish knights, devious and sensual seductresses, bewitching mermaids and tragic heroines. I was swept into a rapture of brilliant hues and textures, brush strokes, passion and colourful emotionalism.

I visited the J. W. Waterhouse - modern Pre-Raphaelite exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. I stood in front of priceless treasures completely enraptured and bowled over by what one man, a paintbrush and a few tubes of paint managed to convey.

With my nose just a mere inch away from the canvas I soaked up the inspiration flowing down the river with the Lady of Shallot; shining scales of mermaids sent glimmers of ideas into my heart, captivated as I was by her sweet song and light brush strokes; and magic floated from castles and battlements, hanging in the air like fairy dust.

I fear I cannot do justice what it felt like to be among such paintings. Similarly, the colours in reproductions do little to capture the iridescence of the real thing. I have become fascinated by the Pre-Raphaelite style as of late - the beauty of nature is such an inspiration.

I created this piece last weekend which I've called 'Back to Nature'. It doesn't really sit too comfortably alongside the masters but allows me at least a very tiny moment of solidarity with the Victorian rebels. How I wish I had studied the History of Art at University. I was so close to choosing that path. My mind is full of questions and craves deeper understanding. Aside from being stunning works of art, each piece tells a story, many on the theme of man falling bewitched by woman. What secrets and stories lie behind these paintings? My artist date proved somewhat expensive as I purchased a book from which to learn more and soak up inspiration.

Mixed media - collage, acrylic, oil pastel, mica and a dash of inspiration