Had I been able to go for a hike around a loch instead of our local arboretum (See April 14 Post), I may have run across some Highland Cattle. These beasts are far shaggier than the mostly Holsteins and Brown Swiss of Southern Wisconsin. This Highland Hybrid is in fact owned by a family of Wisconsin friends though, and is pastured near a private lake. I gave her a ruined castle to look at, as her heritage befits. 5×7, Oil on Canvas Board,, Sold
My original idea for a painting of Medea was to have Bethany’s (see April 5 post) face reflected in the mirror as she sees the reflection of her husband, Jason, and his lover, Glauke, reflected in the glass of wine. I found, however, that the reflection in the mirror was so much smaller than the back of the model standing in front of it, that I decided I must have my model turn around and look backward in order to paint her face. I used the rather lurid lamp light to give it True Crime Story feel.
Medea is one of the strongest and most fearful women in Greek mythology. She is the betrayed wife of Greek hero, Jason. In the opening scene of Euripides play, the nurse to Medea’s and Jason’s children warns: “In truth the man that incurs her hate will have no easy task singing a song of triumph over her.”
In Medea’s own words, “Let no one think of me that I am humble or weak or passive; let them understand that I am of a different kind: dangerous to my enemies, loyal to my friends. To such a life, glory belongs.”
9×12 oil on untempered masonite panel, $300.00 USD
During the Fall (Studio) Art Tour (Mineral Point, WI), a colleague from work offered to model for me.
Throughout the history of Western Civilization, artists have been painting and sculpting subjects from Greek myths. I want to give this tradition a nod by painting modern subjects that follow the same themes, tongue in cheek. Since the myths themselves are so famous, one can recognize in a single description, like “The Judgment of Paris,” that it involves a handsome young man who is offered too many choices for flattery by powerful and vain goddesses. It’s a no win situation. There you go. What a picture that would make!
So, I considered what character in Greek myths beautiful, fierce Bethany might portray. I considered Circe, but on this specific day, since an indoor setting was required due to weather. I hit upon Medea, the most dire and effective example of a woman done wrong that I can think of. Bethany was trained as an actress and has actually played Medea on stage. The photo (right) was my first idea of a pose. Bethany has arresting aquamarine eyes and a physiognomy in which one can still see Native American ancestry.
