I recently finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, a novel by
Oscar Wilde published back in 1890 and it tells the story of Dorian, a
good-natured young man until he discovers the power of his own
exceptional beauty. As he gradually sinks deep into a frivolous,
glamorous world of selfish luxury, he apparently remains physically
unchanged by the stresses of his corrupt lifestyle and untouched by age.
But up in his attic, hidden behind a curtain, his portrait tells a
different story.
I was inspired enough by the book to re-imagine it in a painting, but
instead of a male protagonist, I used a young lady instead. I used
Prang watercolors, my favorite medium as of late, on Arches 140lb
watercolor paper.
The (very rough) draft for the composition. As you can see, I hurriedly sketched it in a moment of inspiration on a piece of scratch paper. Where is my moleskine when I need it?
The book and the inspiration. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
detail
Print is available on Society6. http://www.society6.com/prettymonkey26
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