Waiting for Halcyon Days

Waiting for Halcyon Days

watercolor

11 x 14 inches

©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

available

This painting developed intuitively from my response to my initial mark making and paint application. I began with a resist of masking fluid in a big, sweeping, circular motion. Then with the paper randomly sprayed with water I applied washes of color. From there I considered what I wanted to happen in each area. I used a stamp inspired by a fossil shape that I created from a white plastic eraser as well as stencils to create some of the shapes. I have long been fascinated with mythology and folklore. As the painting began to suggest water I imagined the kingfisher from the Greek myth of Halcyon and its power to calm the waves. As our time of Halcyon Days ends for this year I wish you calm waters in the new year.

Halcyon days, now wars are ending.

You shall find where ere you sail

Tritons all the while attending

With a kind and gentle gale.

~Halcyon Days by Thomas Shadwell~