Sunday 30 March 2008

Eilidh (La Luna)

So, as promised, here is the original portrait of Eilidh.

Eilidh (La Luna) - 40" x 30" - oil on canvas

The object she is holding is a tarot card, "The Moon" or "La Luna", from an old Italian deck. It is a play on the name "Eilidh" - a Gaelic form of Helen, which means "moon" or "shining light". I had originally intended to have a window in the room with moonlight coming in, but in the end decided to keep things simple. The moon idea is echoed in the round pendant she is wearing and also, to some degree, in the overall roundness of the shape created by the face and hair.

Here are some closeups of various details:







And the original oil sketch which the painting was based on...

8 comments:

m tobias hall said...

Hey Neil!

It's great to see it with all the details - great with the tarot. Thanks for posting them.

krista said...

Hi Neil,
This is painted beautifully! I don't know where to start... The fullness of her hands contrasted with the flatness of the card, that gorgeous necklace which you have suggested so well, the intense expression on her face. Great work.

michelle said...

This is a lovely painting. I wonder what she was thinking.

sarah meredith said...

Hey Neil - this is a wonderful portrait - classic and very modern at the same time. Well done.

Vikki North said...

Hi Neil,

I'm a California Artist. Just wanted to say you work is absolutely stunning. Best of luck.
Vikki

silver fortress said...

Nice hands, Neil!

NJN said...

Did them just for you!

Fine Life Folk said...

Call me weird, but I prefer the reference painting. There is so much emotion in it, I am drawn.