Gods

Even though I am an atheist I find myself fascinated with gods and their stories ever since I was a child. Growing up surrounded by Muslim, Hindu and Christian religions it was hard to escape learning about these awe-some beings.

Anyway, I came up with the idea to do a group of paintings based on Gods from different cultures a while ago. Unfortunately I haven't done much work for the series. I did complete one, a painting of Kali(the Hindu Goddess associated with death and destruction).

I am currently working on Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead. When I did a little research I found that Anubis is the Greek version of his name. He's also known as Inpu, Anupu, Wip among others in the ancient Egyptian language.

But more on the deities later. :)

Butterflies Here, There and Everywhere

I never wanted to finish a painting as badly as I wanted this one to. If I don't see another butterfly ever again it will be too soon. There isn't that much inspiration tied into this one but I'm actually quite pleased with the way it looks.

Call me Cthulhu

I decided I'd see how far I could get with a pencil sketch, which turned into me inking the hell out of it before I thought to put a little color in it. Ultimately, I'd like to replicate this on canvas with oils. I'd also like to add more details. The picture I have in my head of the finished product is impressive. It won't be an easy feat for me to create it but I'm going to try my damnedest.

Lovecraftian Strokes

I thought it would be fitting to start this blog off with something completely different than what I usually do. A while ago I borrowed H.P. Lovecraft's Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. I'm perhaps a third of the way through the book though I borrowed it over a month or so ago. I admit, it's taking me a long time to finish it but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it. All of Lovecraft's tales are first person narratives which, in turn, makes me think of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. However, Poe's work explores the human psyche becoming unhinged while Lovecraft fills you with unmentionable dread at what lurks in the deep dark depths of the planet. The doorways that lead to these hidden chambers are usually located in the remotest of places. Which is something I wanted to portray.

Which brings me to the most recent painting. I wanted to paint but I wasn't quite sure what exactly. Then it hit me, I could do something related to my reading material. I didn't know how to go about it but I decided to plunge right in. How else can you capture darkness except with the smallest flickers of light? My attempt is rudimentary at best. But considering I haven't done much work with lighting/shadows especially in color, I can't say it came out too badly. However I wonder if working with oils instead of acrylics will have a completely different effect. Next time I will try oils. I already have an idea.