'Midnight Stars' - SOLD Painting

Though a small piece, I can't remember an artwork I have struggled with more in recent times. The canvas was first marked with diluted black plaka brushstrokes which stained the raw canvas then primed with clear acrylic medium to prepare it for the oil paint & gold metal leaf to be applied on top. 'Midnight Stars' was intentionally created to be quite dark and is best displayed under indirect light where the figure and gold leaf is most clearly revealed. In some lighting conditions the figure can seemingly disappear completely except for the gold encrusted deep dark royal blue dress (this hue was one element that inspired the piece). 'Midnight Stars' can be displayed as shown in the first image or right side up (2nd image). The symbolism of the magnificent peacock and the gorgeous hues of its feathers were the prime inspiration for this piece. In Greco Roman mythology the peacocks signature tail markings symbolized the 'eyes' of the stars watching over us, besides being a symbol of vision, awakening and guidance. Like the phoenix it is also a symbol of transformation or renewal linked to alchemical traditions, that reminds us that we can rise out of our darkest moments, or the dying of our ego-self, to be reborn into a new life of awareness, spirituality and illumination. In Babylonian/Persian traditions the peacock was seen as a guardian of royalty and in others a protector of both the strong and the weak. Kwan-Yin (from asian spirituality) and Lakshmi (Hinduism) were both associated with the royal peacock and similarly was an emblem of kindness, love and watchfulness. In Kwan-Yin's case her story depicts that she (who could be immortal) chose to remain mortal for she wished to stay behind and aid humanity in their spiritual evolution. Medium: W&N Artists Oil, Gilded with Gold Metal Leaf. Support: Black Plaka Mural Stained Raw Stretched Canvas Primed With Clear Acrylic Gloss. Protected with an underlayer of Winsor & Newton Artists Gloss Varnish with UV Protection then finished off with a Satin Beeswax Finish on top. Comes with a signed 'Certificate of Authenticity' and will be packaged for the best protection with bubble wrap etc. in a sturdy box to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition. p.s. to see more info and pics of how this piece was created, check out my WIP post of it on my blog at .html