Sunday, July 8, 2012

Latest News and Newest Work

I haven't posted for a while as I've had several things going on; I'm taking a sketchbook drawing class at Rhode Island School of Design; the mother of one of my closest friends has just passed away and we have family from Arizona staying with us. So I am finally sitting down to put together a blog entry of my art news. Above are two of the three pieces I am currently showing in the Works in Colored Pencil Exhibit at Sharon Art Center in Peterborough, NH through August 7th. My piece on the left Splendor won second place in the exhibit and my piece on the right Joyous Spirits was sold at the opening. Joyous Spirits is also featured in Art Scope Magazine's email newsletter. I don't know which I'm more excited about, the Splendor award recognition or Joyous Spirits going to a new home! These are two of MY favorite pieces.

Here is my newest colored pencil piece in which I just finished, it is the second in a series from the photos I took while in Hungary and Austria. I've titled it Keepers of Mystery and the piece is 16"x23" and is worked on UArt 800 grit paper. Keepers of Mystery is taken from a photo I took in Koszeg, Hungary of a shrine to the martyr saint St John of Nepomuk (also referred to as Szent Janos). St John was born in the Czech Republic in 1350 and (it is written) because of his "humility and hard work of virtues" was later appointed canon of Prague by King Wenceslas. The Queen chose St John in which to confess her sins, the King demanded St John divulge the Queen's sins to him. St John refused to talk and was threatened, tortured and later killed because of his silence.

In the original photo, St John is holding a cross. In my drawing, I chose to put a raven in his hand, a raven which is looking directly at St John. In mythology Ravens symbolize negative or dark connotations, however, ravens are also known to be intelligent beings, messengers and keepers of mysteries as was St John of Nepomuk.

6 comments:

Kathy said...

Beautiful artwork, Kendra! And beautiful description of your inspiration and interpretation of your knowledge of the photo reference! Also, congrats on your award and sale! Sorry to hear about your friend's pain.

Debbi said...

Congrats Kendra! Your work looks superb at the Sharon Arts Center, and when I get some time I'll email you some photos of the show.

libbygilpatric.blogger.com said...

Your work looks wonderful, Kendra. Congratulations on your award and sale! Sad news about your friend's mom. The RISD class sounds great.

Lois said...

Amazing pencil sketching!!

Teresa Mallen said...

Congratulations Kendra, a sale and an award are always real nice! :-) Loved the story that goes with your latest piece and wow, such an incredible statue, no wonder you wanted to draw this. Looks fabulous!!

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

it is a pleasure to see such fine work. Congratulations of your award and sale. Both well deserved.