My current painting is the second in a series of angel paintings I am working on. (The first being Aspen Angel) I wanted to capture the look of classical alter piece paintings, but give it my own modern feel of life and dynamics. The alter pieces I saw in Spain were beautiful as to detail work, but many lacked flow or fluidity in motion, so I have begun this painting in which I took many photos of the model twirling until I found just the right one. Her left arm was behind her in the swing, so I added it in because I felt it looked rather awkward to not show it, it also gives the painting better balance to have it in.

This is the beginning of the painting where I have actually laid the basic figure in using an under painting. I will do the actual painting over the under painting which will serve as a guide. I did the harlequin pattern first, it has a mild texture, which will show through the dress and wings of the angel while the flesh tones will be more solid. I feel that this will give the painting more of an other-worldly feel, something magical or heaven sent. Many of the angel paintings I have observed have very solid clothing and wings. I don’t really believe that angels actually have wings, I feel that they are people who are either awaiting their turn to come to earth, or are our loved ones who have gone before and watch over us, so the wings and halo are symbols to denote how special they are to us. By making the wings somewhat transparent, I hope to give the feel of an angel, but let the symbols of what she is be ancillary to the emotions and feelings she can evoke within us.

It was made known to me that there is a difference in painting a child who has very distinct features and looks specifically like someone's child, and painting one who has more universal features who could be anyone's child. My friend who suggested to me that I ought to consider this said that people would be more willing to buy a painting of a child who could be any child rather than a specific child. So here is my attempt at painting a child with rounder features and long locks of curly hair. I am open to ideas or suggestions as to this theory, including what exactly are universal features that makes a child into any child. Time will tell whether or not this painting sells more prints and is more popular than the first in the series: Aspen Angel.

I am also taking commissions for other paintings in this series, if you have a great picture of a child you would like to submit, it needs to be interesting, and fluid, I would love to take a look and discuss a price for painting the original, just email me at jeff@jeffgoodsellart.com.