In honor of the Halloween season I decided to draw a Raven and a Skull. The combination of the Raven and Skull is generally mistaking for evil. But actually the Raven symbolizes: birth, freedom, messenger from God and the Skull symbolizes courage, death and rebirth. In Native American tradition, Raven is the guardian of both ceremonial magic and healing circles. In many northwestern American Indian traditions, Raven is the Trickster, much like the Norse Loki. The Greeks believe Raven is the messenger of the Sun Gods, both Helios and Apollo. She is also associated with Athene, Hera, Cronos and Aesculapius. In the Bible it is said that ravens were the protectors of the prophets; they fed Elijah and Paul the Hermit in the wilderness. Also, ravens helped St. Cuthbert and St. Bernard. Some European countries believe since ravens can be taught to speak, and have such a complex vocabulary of their own, they are connected symbolically to both wisdom and prophecy. So you can see a Raven symbolizes many ideas to many people.
This is a graphite pencil drawing on 80lb Strathmore 400 drawing paper.
Pencils used: Faber Castel - HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, Carbon Black and White Pastel and I used General's Powdered Graphite to create this misty shading in the background.
