the inspo • behind 'her calling'

Visionary artwork is layered in symbolism. It's been said that this style of painting is an  "inner voice of the soul". Each brushstroke carries meaning, every color shows emotion, even the most subtle details help tell a story without words. My oil painting, 'her calling', tells the story of women's strength, bravery, and beauty. This creation started off with a different intention and evolved over the month-span of time spent on my easel. Allow me to explain how this oil painting turned into poetic storytelling it is today and how it helped shape an exciting new series of work.

A new story begins

This painting was initially meant to be an addition to my she's got soul series - a collection of work that highlights women's silhouettes and acts like windows into the soul. I knew exactly what I was going to do and had already mapped an outline of elements and colors. I chose a mountainous setting to mirror the scene found in the neckline of my most popular piece (you can read more about its signifigance in this blog post) to further the message it portrays...but as time went on, I found myself shaping the path toward a new direction.

I intended to paint the woman depicted as an empty silhouette surrounded by vivid color but instead began shading her with bold color and sharp detail - this wasn't a conscious decision but more a voice inside that whispered "this feels right". Before I knew it, she was totally enveloped in clothing and color and outlined to show her in entirety. I studied my work and realized that the color palette matched that of my past work, her pilgrimage. I was floored! Not only did the palette perfectly match and the scenery complement each other, but the woman was one and the same!

How could this have happened, I wondered. I didn't do this on purpose.... did I?

It then dawned on me that these two paintings were destined to work together. My creative brain began racing to a conclusion: These two paintings tell a different chapter of the same story... her story. And so, a new series of work was born.

Pages from a story of bravery

As I studied these two pieces, I realized they looked like illustrations in a storybook. I could almost see the pages turning as I glanced from one creation to the other. They seemed to tell a story that was a beautiful mix of fantasy and history.

This finished piece that lay on my easel, I decided, was a portion of the story that focused on bravery. It was clear that this painting was meant to be a beacon of hope to women who face the unknown.

I looked closely at each element I felt called to add in and realized each one added to the overall story this piece told.

Her cape flowing in the wind seemed to symbolize her free-natured spirit and bravery against the obstacles that lie before her.

The butterflies flitting around her billowing cape were gently urging her on with grace and beauty.

The eagle flying overhead served as a reminder that she was not alone on this path and that though it may be shrouded, it was leading her to beautiful and wonderful places.

The bright sunlight reflecting off the mountain peaks seemed to say, 'nothing good comes easy. The most rewarding prize comes after the hardest climb.'

Artist’s Touch: Using small amounts of violet against white paint and smoothing the edges with a small mop brush makes highlights appear even brighter.

As I admired my new series, I could clearly see both myself and all of the women I knew inside. I thought to myself, What a way to celebrate all the strength and bravery women possess - through artful expression!

On to the next chapter

Thus, the her story series was born. Out of a beautiful accident, she emerged with such a captivating message I simply couldn't abandon. I eargly look forward to when inspiration will strike next and what that chapter will look like!

I invite you to ponder on this:

What do you see when you look at her calling? Do you see the how far you've traveled in your life and how far you've yet to go? Do you perhaps see a loved one like your mother or sister who's faced a mountain of challeneges and has shown tremendous bravery? Or maybe you see your inner spirit personified and clothed in royal robes, showing just how strong and beautiful you are inside.

Whatever the details of your story are, I hope viewing my creations in this series helps both motivate and inspire you. May it help you take a deep breath, look forward with optimism and bravery, and enlighten you to your own unique strength and inner beauty.

Follow along as each chapter expands the beautiful storyline that mirrors our journeys through life. I hope it speaks to your inner spirit and help aid you on the many unique moments you will both experience on your journey!

stay bright, brave souls.