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 the poetic story it is today and how it helped shape an exciting new series of work.

A new story

This painting was initially meant to be an addition to my she's got soul series. 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 my 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 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.

A journey based on bravery

This series of work was perfectly laid out for me as if in a storybook. I could almost see the pages turning as I glanced from one creation to the other. these creations seemed to tell a story that was a 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. The eagle flying overhead served as a reminder that we are never truly alone on our walk through life and that though the path may be shrouded, it can lead to beautiful and wonderful places.

Her cape flowing in the wind was a perfect addition as it showcased her free-natured spirit and bravery against the obstacles that lie before her.

I followed the light from the sun rays and decided to add extra highlights to the mountain peaks. I intentionally added this in as a way to say in paint, "Nothing good comes easy. The most rewarding prize comes after the hardest climb."

Artist’s Touch: Using small amounts of violet against bright whites can make them appear even brighter than they are.

When I paint, I leave little pieces of myself on canvas by layering in my emotions, memories, and love on canvas. I suppose you could say that who I am and what I've experienced helps shape my work. 

As I studied my two matching creations, I could clearly see both myself and all of the women I knew inside her. 

How fitting, I thought. I know so many strong women. I think this is a great ode to all the strength and bravery both I and all these women I know (and have never met) possess.

And you know what? Strong is beautiful!

On to the next chapter

This series, her story, was born out of a beautiful accident. I am so grateful that this painting didn't end up being the creation I initially planned for. What a lovely example of trusting the creative process!

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 how strong and beautiful you are inside.

Whatever it says to you, I hope it helps both motivate and inspire you to keep fighting the good fight and keep letting your light shine.

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

stay bright, brave souls.