Water Lily Drawing

“Water Lily,” 2010 [from the series ca. 2000-present]. Pastel on Winsor & Newton watercolor paper (pastel drawing) 22.25" H x 30.00" W (56.515x 76.20 cm) ”Water Lily" is another breathtaking piece in an ongoing series of eloquent works in which Jay Worth Allen celebrates life through the exploration of various aspects of womanhood: her plights, joys, beauty, and timeless inspiration to any and all who encounter her. The interaction of water and the female nude is the medium with which the artist uses in this work to articulate a private moment of complete serenity. As with so many of Jay Worth Allen’s works, complex harmonies within contrasting components play a major role in the composition and message of “Water Lily” — Black and white pastels complement deep burgundies, reds and even oranges with hints of fuchsia have been masterfully executed on white watercolor paper, giving us a female nude, again, in exquisite repose — as seen in the artist’s “Moondance” series. However, here, in “Water Lily,” the figure is reclined, completely submerged, on her back, eyes closed in perfect peace, and a full-figured reflection of the woman encompassed with water is reflecting on the surface above. To delve a bit deeper into the underlying theme propelling this moving series — the Celebration of Life Through Woman, which is a favorite of this profound artist: Some critics have described this recurring theme in others’ works, as the freedom of womanhood laid bare. Yes, while we have seen this particular “freedom” in the works of past masters, such as Renoir, Rubens, and even Fragonard in which any reference to socio-economic status has been removed (rendering the subject “bare”), there is a marked departure from their women in Jay Worth Allen’s works. For him, the Celebration of Womanhood equals Beauty and Vulnerability, and, Strength, the resulting inherent synergistic combination of the two former attributes. Jay Worth Allen is passionate. And as the artist, every facet of his work is imbued with that passion, which includes the materials he uses to create his art. “Water Lily,” is created on high quality watercolor paper (as are all of his works on paper), instead of pastel, Ingres or other lighter papers usually found as a base for pastel works. Why? “The answer is simple.” —In his own words: “The reason I use watercolor [paper] for my drawings and pastels is because they are heavier, thicker, and stronger than other paper . . . that way, I can draw on the whole piece . . . including all the way past the edges!” “Water Lily” has, as have the other works in this series, been deemed an “extremely important work” by collectors and critics alike — having been shown in several U.S. museums and galleries, as well as private showings. To learn more about this work, the series, and this magnificent artist’s inspiration, please see the following works presently being offered here at Saatchi Art: The Wedding Bed — []; After The Moment — []; and Diana Sleeping — []. —————— Additional works in this ongoing series will be offered here as well; please visit Jay Worth Allen's profile for more information, and to view other works currently being offered through Saatchi Art. We appreciate and encourage any comments. Thank you. A quick note on framing & mounting: For the best display of "Water Lily," the work should be mounted by floating — to ensure every touch of the artist's hand is experienced. Regarding shipping, this work is from the artists' private collection and has previously been mounted. However, the work will ship flat (unframed), in accordance with Saatchi Art's shipping policies.