Basandra is one of the few Magic the Gathering images that I have hanging in my home. It's almost as if the wall in the middle room (which has been painted for over 3 years, yet remained barren) was waiting for this piece. I was excited to find out she is also featured in the soon to be released Spectrum 18: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
I have to say... umm, err... yes... I really do love this piece. It falls into my classic modus operandi of loving to paint beautiful women who also happen to be strong, powerful, intelligent and a tad intimidating. If you're feeling a bit weak, you can stand in front of her and breathe in the power she's willing to share with you. She seems to embody the evocative command, "BRING IT".
It's perfect for our houseful of Goddesses... a symbol of feminine beauty and power that happens to match our decor in an uncanny way, AND... I happened to have a frame from an old piece I'd done pre-Art Center that seemed to have been custom-made for it.
Here's what the art description from the art director looked like:
TITLE: [Basandra, Battle Seraph]
SIZE: 2 1/16" (52mm) wide X 1 1/2" (38mm) tall
ART DESCRIPTION:
Color: White and red legendary creature
Location: sky
Action: Show Basandra, a legendary angel whose presence heralds war. Like all Magic angels, she's a sexy badass, but she has fire-engine-red hair and carries a long cat-o'-nine-tails with steel cable whips. It's up to you to design her costuming and style; she should feel like one of a kind.
Focus: Basandra, the archangel of war
Mood: "The blood spilled today shall be sanctified in my name."
As always, one of the first things I look for is reference. For this, my very talented friend, Scott Harben REALLY came through for me. He has an amazing "warehouse" of images he lets me peek through when I need to come up with something original.
Be sure to visit Scott's Harben Pictures.
The model I chose from his inspiring collection was Erin Stern, 2010 Olympia Figure Champion.
One of the most interesting and enjoyable challenges of working on this piece was to find a way to integrate and merge the essence and symbolism of fire with Basandra's visual presence. I wanted you to feel hot standing in front of her, like you would in front of a raging bon fire. Did I get there? xP
The fire motifs you see in Basandra are inspired by the icongraphic symbols in Tibetan art as depicted in this fantastic reference book The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs by Robert Beer.
You'll find them in her halo, along the two side panels, and in her heavy duty armor... well, (conspicuously drafty) war-drobe. (click pic below for detail)
The original art is: SOLD
Size: 12.25 x 9.5"
Medium: Acrylic, oil, colored pencil, gold ink
Sketch: SOLD
SIZE: 14 x 11" Graphite on tracing paper parchment.
I have two sizes of prints. One large 17 x 22" size, frame-ready image size of 16 x 20 (the same as what I have on my wall) and a smaller 13 x 19" size frame-ready image size of 11 x 14". All prints come with flame retardant certificate, fire extinguisher and hazard insurance in case she accidentally lights more than your soul on fire.
*O.k., you caught me on a silly day*
I must say, your Basandra painting is definitely one of your best! Absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Frank-Joseph | July 20, 2011 at 04:39 PM
Thank you so much for the detailed blog post! I always enjoy hearing more about how art is getting done, especially traditional art which is so much magic and science and fun, all in one work. Thanks a lot for taking the time and explaining it all!
I have a little question, if you don't mind. Which medium do you paint on? Canvas, paper, cardboard, wood...?
Posted by: Hisietari | October 20, 2011 at 12:45 AM
Thank you! Nowadays I paint on Velvet Fine Art paper. I print my sketch on this paper and then wet-stretch it.
Posted by: Terese Nielsen | October 20, 2011 at 09:37 AM
I've never really been in to Magic the Gathering but I must say, this is pretty darn gorgeous! I can't even begin to fully express how beautiful I think this is.
Posted by: Shawnte | February 27, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Oh this painting is very beautiful
Posted by: sunglasses hut | April 17, 2012 at 08:18 AM
Any chance of a blog one day with advise on drawing angel wings and good books/birds to use for reference?
Posted by: Stuart | October 07, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Stuart, you're spot on with what the "advice" is for good angel wings; it's finding good reference and it ISN'T easy! I sleuth all sorts of books and photos for good reference depending on the pose and angles I need to position and paint the wings in. A resource book or site on various angles of wings in flight would be a godsend.
Posted by: Terese Nielsen | October 08, 2012 at 11:29 AM