I began this self portrait in October 2024, initially depicting myself against a patterned backdrop. However, when the US election was called I felt like there was more I could add to this painting to reflect the year it was made in so I decided to restart. The new composition emerged as both a personal reflection and a commentary on our political landscape, exploring the duality of the symbols we hold dear.

The vulture is intended to stand in deliberate contrast to the American Bald Eagle, the United States' national symbol. While Bald Eagles and Vultures are genetically related, they also embody a striking dichotomy: the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, and freedom encompassing America’s national identity, while the vulture often represents judgment, death, and decay.

The red poppies, symbolizing renewal and destruction, were added as a reminder of the human cost of war and political conflict, as well as the cyclical nature of history.
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#portrait #painting #selfportrait #vultures #eagles #birdsofafeather #portraitart #artist #acrylic #contemporaryart #symbolism #figureart #paint #uselection #redpoppies #poppies #flowers #flowerpainting #velvet #politics #outdoorpainting #portraitpainting #freepalestine

Echoes of the Past: Eurydice after Orpheus looks back
48 x 24 in.,
Oil
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Model/Photographer: Jennifer "jookpub" Günthel #jookpubstock
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#portrait #painting #portraitart #artist #classicalpainting #eurydice #orpheus #figureart #paint #underworld #candlelight #fog #spooky #oilpainting #art

#WIP Grisaille done, now it's time to hurry up and wait for it to dry so I can start adding color 😮‍💨
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48 x 24 in.,
Eurydice, after Orpheus looks back, condemned to spend eternity retracing her last steps with him in the Underworld
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#grisaille #oilpainting #eurydice #underworld #mythology #fineart #oilportrait #portrait #classicalpainting #candlelight #art #orpheus #spooky #aesthetic

WIP in the grisaille stage... Concept is Eurydice after Orpheus looks back, condemned to retrace her last steps with Orpheus for eternity. The working title is "Echoes of the Past"
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#grisaille #oilpainting #eurydice #underworld #mythology #fineart #oilportrait #portrait #classicalpainting #candlelight #wip #art