I've been working on Naomi's hands, quite the task, actually. I want her to be standing in anticipation, unable to believe her eyes that Boaz is going to propose to her beloved Ruth. Wow, do I need to work more on the smaller figures! I plan to put a stand of birch trees in the foreground...let's see if plans correspond with reality.
I've been working on this piece for over a year. Sometimes, when there is such a struggle, and an artist feels like they are working and reworking the same things, in other words, drawing a line, erasing it, drawing it again...until the paper seems worn through...well, then it's time for a sweeping change. When I'm stuck like that, I always have an inkling that an element in the piece just needs to go. I think that instinct is correct here as well. I've taken Ruth completely away from Naomi's shoulder and instead have her further away, as Boaz holds her hands in his, looks deeply into her eyes, and prepares to propose. I've also taken away the window and the oppressive curtains, which I liked, because I thought it symbolized Naomi's despair. I guess this painting intends itself to be about focusing on the euphoric moment, rather than the past struggle of the characters. Paintings are like that...they decide, not the artist. :)
The sunrise is starting to give a mood to this piece, but I still cringe at how rough it is. Oh well, we're getting there.
This piece is still obstinately in process. It is depicting a portrayal of the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi. I have been struggling with this one for well over a year, and had abandoned a previous work altogether on this subject. There are so many subtleties I want to portray from the story; so many quiet emotions and symbols, the despair, the loyalty, and the redemption. I've come to realize that the time of day in the painting is wrong, and will be reworking it into a more sunset or early morning light on the horizon. So many technical problems, too!! The velvet curtains also need to be made into rags, as these are two women who once knew prosperous times, but have had so much taken away from them. It's tough to see this piece objectively; it is so close to me.
This piece is by no ways finished, but is, I'd guess about mid-way through.
Still many, many details to add and finishing strokes that are not there yet.
"The Woman Who Touched His Robe"
Acrylic on Canvas
20"x 16"
NFS
c. Cory Jaeger-Kenat, 2014
