Sunday 2 September 2012

The Morrígan

It's done!

Some of you may recall that the wonderfully talented Palma Rea was kind enough to paint an image of The Morrígan for me a while back. She produced a wonderfully vibrant painting, drawing on the myths and legends for inspiration, which is currently on display as part of an exhibition, but will soon be coming home to be proudly displayed.

However, I now present another view of The Morrígan, a modern view, based on my own perception. She is neither good, nor evil; She simply is. I've been asked before, how does an English/Welsh Reiki healer end up with an Irish battle goddess as a guide? I guess she's there as a reminder that the world isn't all sweetness and light.

This is acrylic on canvas, and my first attempt at a portrait. I'm still not 100% about the face, but there's only so many times I can rework it before it becomes a mess. Also, ignore the slightly patchy look to some parts of the image, it's my dodgy photography.

For those who are unaware of The Morrígan, a quick Google will pull up plenty of historic/mythical information (some of which should be taken with a large pinch of salt).

13 comments:

  1. Terrific first portrait and love your interpretation of the Morrigan. x

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  2. Nigel that is flipping brilliant! And she looks bad ass. I like her!

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  3. holy moly Nigel... this is your FIRST attempt at portraits?!? ok, you MUST continue to do them. This is fabulous. i hadn't visited here in a while and i'm amazed at what you've been up to. Absolutely fantastic work. i LOVE the look on her face here. Love your words "she simply is"... yes. Beautiful Nigel. xox

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  4. Fabulous....don't be too hard on yourself re the face but I think (for what it is worth being a complete non-artist) that the folded arms are brilliant! Suz x

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  5. WoW Nigel! this is brilliant! I agree with Suze about the folded arms, she's saying arque with me if you dare! I love the arched right eybrow!
    suzi b :)

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  6. She ain't 'alf bad:)
    {It is not all sweetness and light...so true.}
    She has a very strong face and you can see someone who knows her own mind. She comes across to me as quite military...
    Great work!
    xx

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  7. Love the new look blog! {New to me at least...} Just been catching up on some of your posts and very impressed by first ever portrait; I enjoyed seeing the progress {of course!}. Thank you for stopping by recently and I hope you're feeling better. :)
    Tara @ Aquamarine
    www.taraleaver.com/blog

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  8. I like where you took this! The darker colors with her gaze show her as having a very strong will and the skill to use it to meet her wishes!

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  9. I enlarged your photo to get a better look. This is your first attempt at portraits. I can't believe it! I think it's just gorgeous.

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  10. WOW Nigel this is fabulous...
    I would not change a thing.
    Anxious to read that interview...hello she's off again...
    Happy Weekend to you!
    oxo

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  11. Well, I'm curious enough to look up the Morrigan! I have a concept I can't quite seem to get out into an actual sculpture- Your lovely piece reminds me that its still up there, rolling around in my head- I wanted to work out a sculpture wherein a woman, fed up with her lot in life has decided she will turn into a crow and just fly away. And, if I could just fit a few more hours into each day I might just get to that project. So off I go to learn more of the mysterious Morrigan. (Does it have anything to do with a mom saying to her children "What? You want more? Again?")

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  12. wow, she's wonderful, I love her expression!

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