I recently completed the first wall of three in a beautifully created room in a private home. It serves as a studio, office and spiritual space. It was creatively challenging and gave me an opportunity to work with the discerning Chrystal Toth of ChrystalTothDesigns.com.
It was a time to delve into that part of me that, as an artist, who just thrives on intricate designed work. The search for the perfect layout for this wall also included learning a bit about what yoga represented to my client. I did not arrive at the final sketch quickly, but when I did, it checked off so many requirements. The tree leaves span the four seasons with the changing of the leaves from fresh spring colors to autumn leaves covered with snow. The mandalas start with a spring-oriented pattern with pansies and move to summer fullness and blooms to a harvest motif and ending with a snowflake patterned signaling the end of the passage. I know it’s much more fun to look at the pictures. So here’s the final approved layout.
Next is the sketch in color. The mandalas were finetuned after this was completed.
Notice that wall on the left is cut away on a 45-degree angle. You’ll learn more about that in the follow-up newsletter.
The wall is straight for about 40″ then falls forward following the roof line. In all the many years I’ve been painting, I’ve never had to spend as much time with my neck at that angle doing such tightly detailed work! Here’s a few progress photos, of the sky being blocked in, and then later, the tree is done and I’ve blocked in the mandalas.
Below is the completed tree as well as some closeups.
You’ll catch a still of the fine linework needed to bring the mandalas to life.
A favorite feature is the woman’s silhouette in the yoga posture Vrksasana, the Tree pose. She’s wearing a Chakras necklace that symbolizes the seven main energy centers in the body.
Kudos to Chrystal for the inspired solution to the outlet that needed to stay on the wall. I am so grateful for the others that were moved as well as the thermostat to keep the wall as unobstructed as possible.
The fairie door opens to reveal the outlet when needed and is closed with our little mouse companion guarding the key until needed.
It’s a step away from the more traditional landscapes I paint. This was a moment in time to create a magical space for the client, and to explore her world with her. It was invigorating.
And at the risk of sounding less then humble, just wait til you see what happens in the rest of the room.
Paint me grateful and content for the privilege of bringing this space to life. You know how much I appreciate your feedback, dear Reader. I look forward to your response..
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