The composition started as a pulsing, rhythmic, pattern of heart shapes on a raw pine board. But the image quickly revealed itself to be a butterfly! The process of layering pastels, paints, metallic washes, varnishes, and sanding in between each application, brought forth the completed “Take Flight, Butterfly!”
While this painting’s palette is varied with a wide range of colors, they all are muted/softened. Tiny, delicate details are tucked into the wings of the butterfly. A repetition of heart shapes surrounding the focal point provides a visual “fluttering” suggesting that the butterfly is in flight.
I love how the pine board shows through and informs the resulting translucent wings. Background never fails to impact foreground. The foundation peeks through and observes its imprint! Willie Nelson’s song Butterfly (2017) perfectly denotes my own feelings, thoughts, & emotions explored as I nurtured this piece through phases to its call for completion. Each step in the process of creation was a prompting -- leading ever forward. I hope you will infer your own personal message from the imperative, Take Flight, Butterfly! 🦋
Symbolism: #rebirth #resurrection # renewal #change #hope #endurance #courage #transformation #evolve #hearts #butterfly #takeflight #wings #WillieNelson #phases