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Forgiveness
Published: 2009-05-16 05:58:02 +0000 UTC; Views: 314565; Favourites: 20041; Downloads: 8733
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~~EDIT: Thank you so much to all the people who have commented, faved and watched. I'm just overwhelmed by the response to this; I love hearing everybody's individual reactions and their own ideas, I read every comment.
For those that requested a print, it is now available here: [link]
For the community choice award, the daily deviation and your generosity, thank you. You guys are amazing.
Keep drawing!Nov 2009: I updated this with my signature and watermark.
~~
For me good and evil are more matters of perception than of external contrasting elements.
The kelpie is a malicious creature that preys on the innocent and trusting. On touching a kelpie, disguised as a horse with a mane of reeds, you are bound to it and dragged underwater to drown.
But what if death was not so bad?
Maybe the kelpie regrets, maybe the girl forgives.
Life, I think, is a spectrum of subtleties rather than strict categorisations.
But maybe I do have obscure intepretations.
Kelpies are one of my favourite mythological creatures. I'd like to think that maybe the victims of kelpies are reborn as swans. Swans have this sense of guardians about them to me.
This painting is full of unfamiliar elements for me but that's what makes art exciting. If I'd had more time I would have spent longer with some references and sketching things out. Any critique is welcome though, I'm out of my depth here and because of that I particularly welcome advice.
I usually don't post new art before I reply to comments on other paintings, but I wanted to get this in a few days before the deadline. I haven't forgotten you wonderful people.
Time: I'm really not sure, 15hours or so.
Tools: Photoshop, Wacom Intuos 3 tablet
Music: Nothing in particular, a fair bit of Vangelis though.
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Comments: 1094
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Your fantasy creatures all seem to possess a palpable uniqueness setting them apart from other artistsβ usual interpretations. I am most impressed with the way you are able to bathe subjects in a light that is almost an inner-illumination. Your kelpie has the appearance of being made of blown glass. So perfect for a powerful yet ethereal mythic creature. The utter grace of the entire composition β the submission of the human form, enfolded in a swanβs wings suggesting the sacred robes a voluntary sacrificial maiden β is quite remarkable. Itβs wonderful how youβve managed to capture in the kelpie an attitude of relentless brutality but also dutiful resignation β like a Mayan executioner. I think youβve created quite a signature image of fatalistic duality. Something to play at the edges of oneβs mind as one slips off into sleepβ¦...
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This picture clearly shows the idea of relativism; at first glance, the kelpie is seen to be the evil in the picture, a symbol of destruction. The swan is the protection, while the girl is the victim. This, again, is the initial idea behind the picture. The girl is holding a flower, which generally represents the idea of death (e.g. placing flowers on a loved one's grave), creating a connection between the young girl and the kelpie. Her pose also hints at more of a loving relationship, rather than a destructive one; the hand in which she is holding a flower is gently held upwards, and her pose seems relaxed, content. The kelpie, caught in an action of jumping toward the girl, seems to be reaching toward her, acting as a savior. The swan plays into this as well. Its wings are opened in an act of trust, and also of protection (as previously said). The swan is envelopoing the kelpie in its wings as well. The question that now appears is: what is truly evil? The idea of relativism is now clearly shown.
The scene is filled with flowers, which are colored in warm tones. This is another symbol of peace, and of good. When coloring with this particular scheme, as opposed to using cold colors such as blue or purple, it gives an unthreating mood; acceptance. A few of the flowers are flowing upwards toward the kelpie (which is colored in which colder colors, making a contrast between the girl and the swan, and the kelpie), combining the two worlds of good and evil. Therefore, the kelpie now cannot be strictly definted as evil. The girl is welcoming him, as is the swan, which in turn shows the deep connection between the girl and the swan; they appear to be one.
The space above the kelpie is not filled, as compared the bottom of the piece, which is adorned with flowers. This shows the world from which the kelpie comes: it is dead, and is subjected to the scrutiny of those that are good, never allowing that world to become anything else but evil. They were never given a chance. When this particular kelpie is accepted, the bonds which tie down the two worlds are broken, and finally evil has a chance to become good.
On a last note, the detail in this piece is beautiful, The detail in the swans wings is amazing and realistic. This shows true artistic conviction, and a love of art in itself. The focus on the two animals makes for an extremely wonderful and interesting picture. Due to this, the simplicity in the girl stands out, and makes for quite a piece of art. It is amazing, and the level of artistic development that is shown is wonderful. The contrast between light and darkness deeply adds to the picture greatly. Your grasp on perspective is at a professional level, and all of the techniques that you have used are understood amazingly well.
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This piece is simply amazing. The warm tones used near the swan and cold blues on the kelpie create the perfect amount of contrast, and enhance the ideas of good and evil in this painting. The flowers and bubbles are a great touch, and add interest throughout the negative space, and keep you looking all throughout the painting. Besides just the visual aspects of this piece, the concepts behind it are wonderful. The aspect of kelpie victims being reborn as swans adds a whole new dimension to the themes of good and evil, and makes thie piece stand out from the rest.
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This is unbelievably beautiful, I love your interpretation of the kelpie story, they are one of my favorite mythological creatures as well. I love the colors you used in this and the way the flowers slowly drift to the top. The details are definitely one of the things that makes this piece so amazing! I also like how you created an interesting composition by using the girl's dress flowing up and the way the swan's wings seem to envelop both the girl and the kelpie, welcoming them with safety and light. I also love the way the girl seems to be offering a flower to the kelpie in some kind of forgiveness. Definitely a fresh twist to an ancient story!
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This piece is absolutely gorgeous!! It has great initial impact as I loved it immediately and after reading your description, I loved it even more! I love the orange flowers and how they frame the bottom and color reflects in the swans wings. Great detail in the swan's wings and the flowers surrounding the bottom! Every time I look at it, I see more and more. The fact that the girl is falling on her back creates a unique perspective. Great job creating the feeling of falling. The bubbles are also a very nice touch and the tiny flowers here and there in the negative space. Very wonderful and imaginative! Congratulations! You deserve it!
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I was going to write this later, but I'll write it now, and I can both critique and congratulate you in one blow. : )
I entered this contest. And I saw yours soon after I posted mine. I might have already commented on it and everything before, but I'm going to leave this critique too- because that's just how damn good this is
The level of skill and detail that you showed in this is phenomenal to say the least, I honestly couldn't find a corner-except for maybe the girls skin-that wasn't flooded with tiny interesting details that promised to drive me insane with joy at their discovery.
The composition of the picture is also very pleasing to the eye, makes it easy to choose to either look down from the top, or up from the bottom, and the flowing-ness of the girl's clothes as well as the flowers and bubbles just adds to this effect. The story, itself, is too complex- I think- to really be transmitted through this painting but the emotion is definitely there- it's there in the sad shades of blue and the soft expression of the horse/kelpie, and its there in the girl's one outstretched finger and the swan's open embrace and kind look.
Critique wise there is only one thing that bugged me about this whole picture, and that was the size of the girl's hand. At first I thought it was just me being too analytical about the size and thinking that in comparison to the horse's hoof it was too big then reasoned that you could have taken artistic freedom and not stuck too much by realistic proportions- as can be assumed from the size of everything (ie: the swan, the girl, and the horse) in relation to each other. But I came back and looked at it and looked hard, and honestly I think it would look more aesthetically pleasing if the hand was smaller. Just an opinion to keep in mind.
And now that that's out of the way- I can whole heartedly say congratulations- I'm glad you won Community Choice Winner in the contest, and as funny as it might sound, I'm proud to have lost to such a beautiful and meaningful piece of artwork. [link] e.deviantart.net/emoticons/h/h⦠" width="15" height="13" alt="
e.deviantart.net/emoticons/h/h⦠" width="15" height="13" alt="
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At first when I looked at this piece I thought that it was just another flowery piece of art but when I read the description about what the 'Kelpies' intentions were my views changed.
This piece of work is by far one of the more intriguing that I have seen in a long time, I particularly love your take on a mythically malevolent creature that drags itβs victims down to the darkness, Whatβs even more interesting is your thoughts on the victims being reborn as swans, graceful creatures born from water to guard it.
Iβve never seen anything like this piece before so your originality is astounding especially as you have put your own spin on the creature and the girl forgetting and forgiving, these terms should be used more often and I think that a lot of people can in one way or another attach that sentiment to some aspect of their own lives.
Looking into the quality of the image itself Is just daunting, the deep blacks mixed with the vibrant blues and soft tones of the flowers makes it very eye catching, I feel that I donβt start at the top of the picture but rather the bottom where all the detail is, then being led upwards by the flow of the girls arm and her symbolic swanβs wings that frame the kelpie, then Iβm led into the middle by her flowing blue dress that envelopes the kelpie (an otherwise not so colourful creature)in a multitude of subtle shades of blue that reflect off its hide.
Final word on this piece is just Wow, I canβt say much more without rambling on about how amazing this piece is, but the time you spent on it was well worth it.
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This is simply striking. The balance of warm colors and cooler tones really draws the eye around the piece. It has a stunning flow to it, almost having the feel of a yinyang. The elegance is amazing here. You really captured the smooth flow of an underwater scene. The lighting is beautiful. You paid attention to the detailed shadows and highlights of everything, right down to individual feathers. The kelpie's pose fits so amazingly well with the rest of the piece. Also, your eye for detail is incredible. The feathers of the swan's neck are very well done. The story behind this is quite intruiging as well.
Bravo to you, this is stunning.
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Firstly, I have to say that this is by far the most beautiful piece of digital art I have seen in many, many years. For someone who said that they were out of their depth with this image, you did an amazing job.
This image made such an impact on me; I couldn't take my eyes away from it. Being familiar with the Kelpie, I instantly saw the concept of the piece and I have to say I don't recall seeing anything like it before. I love the way you used the size and shape of the canvas to frame the image; it makes it look so much more dynamic than if there was any empty space around the edges.
The colours you've used are marvelous; the subtle transition from the cool blues in the top half of the image to the bright reds and greens at the bottom is breathtaking. The lighting is perfect and it looks very realistic.
I'm in love with the underwater scene; you've pulled it off perfectly. Everything looks like it could start swaying with the current any second now and I'm certainly willing to look at this image while I wait.
Everything has been brought together so perfectly in every part of this image and you should be extremely proud of what you've created.
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What a terrific balance of light and dark! Your imagery here is very well displayed as a balance, but I like the narrative quality to the piece. The sweep of her dress that mimics water is spectacularly rendered, and the bed of flowers really adds to the mood of peace and serenity as she falls into the "arms" of the swan. The light that seems to be emitting from her is also well done, and it offers a secondary sense of peace to the composition.
This piece is stirring and beautiful in every way. Too bad we won't be able to own a print of it if you win, which I hope you do. Yours is the first entry that has been compelling and beautiful, and well rendered in such a professional way that it earns my vote for the community winner. Excellent, beautiful work!
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i love the atmosphere of it - like an underwater paradise, you've managed to capture that sort of serenity of the afterlife, it's heavenly e.deviantart.com/emoticons/s/s⦠" width="15" height="15" alt="
the composition too is so full of movement and power - the way the girl is supported by or one with the swan - well, being reborn into, is beautifully portrayed.
the way the light and warmth are emenating from the swans wings is done with so much skill, it really can't help but make you smile and feel happy and forgive.
i'm fascinated by the kelpie, it's what initially attracted me to the piece, with it's rough and fantastic mane that stretches way down it's back. great design, my only suggestion would be to make him larger - his back just disappears. also, i'm not sure it was your intention to make the kelpie less equine and more a mystical mythic creature - but his hoofs look more small and paw-like than i would expect.
Stunning work. I'll be happy if you win e.deviantart.com/emoticons/h/h⦠" width="15" height="13" alt="
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I love the concept for this piece, what a wonderful idea! I think the piece is wonderfully painted too. The details on the swan are magnificent; the wings look really great e.deviantart.com/emoticons/b/b⦠" width="15" height="15" alt="
One thing that strikes me about this is the lighting. I love that it is lit from beneath, as if the swan is giving out a glow as it emerges from the victim. It adds a sense of hope.
The colours are good choices too, I feel that they work well together. I'm glad the swan isn't pure white; most swans I've seen are more of an off white, and it's especially appropriate to have an off white as this scene is underwater (although, is the swan an overlay of an above water view? The flowers would indicate that, but that would ruin my theory about the light coming from it e.deviantart.com/emoticons/x/x⦠" width="15" height="15" alt="
I like the water themed colours for the kelpie and the woman's dress, I think you've done well there to emphasise they are underwater. I do like how you've done the bubbles to the side, that also helps push the underwater-ness.
I've given you 5 stars in everything because for me this piece is perfect. I can find no flaws and I also have not seen this idea before.
This piece really is stunning. I hope you're happy with the outcome of your idea. I really feel that this is a vision brought to life.
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This is a gorgeous piece of work, cryslara. Really! It's a great thing that you provided such a descriptive Artist's Comment, or else I wouldn't have gotten the good vs. evil aspect of it all. Because at first sight, I thought the white thing was a unicorn and I was like what was the evil in this masterpiece. And I'm sure I'm not the only confused, finding the good vs. evil beneath this piece. I assume that the dark background, surrounding the kelpie, should have given me some hint that it's the counterpart of good. But honestly, I think you could've emphasized a bit more the "evilness" of the kelpie.
Besides that, this piece still holds a wow factor in my opinion. I love the amount of details put into this; there's quite a bit to pick at. Like the swan, which to me, represents the protector of innocent, of what is good. And that glow coming inside of the swan's wings, like wow! That glow and the addition of the red/orange flowers, which add a touch of beauty to this piece, compliments the role of the swan.
And I also love the drowning feeling. e.deviantart.com/emoticons/b/b⦠" width="15" height="15" alt="
Overall, I think you did a wonderful job, and I do hope you the best of luck for the Wacom contest.
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...
Wow.
If you want my truthful opinion, this just became one of my all time favorite deviations here on DA. The idea you portrayed is so simply, yet the details are so complex and intriguing that this piece refuses to allow me to take my eyes from it. The composition is flawless. The Swan seems to cradle everything perfectly, while the flowers below indicate a subtle sense of surrounding and harmony. With color; the 'swan' aspect is full of warm tones, which immediately invite me to view the contrasting side: the cool colors, or the other half of the painting. The kelpie and the water above are ominous and foreboding when compared to the previous side. Everything seems to fade into nothing, and if I stare long enough, I indeed get a slight sensation of drowning. The girl's aqua dress is so beautiful, and it puts the kelpie in such a position to give a sense of its intent, yet it's transformed into a single flowing motion. But, the malice of the beast seems to evaporate when your eyes are brought to the flower, and then the kelpie's face, and to the swan's. There, I see an apparent understanding between them that makes me smile. I'm glad the girl's face is hidden, because it takes away the question of who she is or why she's here. It is simply a girl, and one may interpret the meaning of the piece while at ease, rather than bode on her identity.
All in all, this piece is absolutely brilliant, and certainly deserves to be recognized to the fullest extent. e.deviantart.com/emoticons/c/c⦠" width="25" height="25" alt="
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It took at least half an hour for me to pick my jaw up of the floor and pop my eyes back in their sockets after i caught a glimpse of this image and now that I've taken the time to study the detail and admire the complexity of the light... I am completely in love with the imagery here. There is a sense of falling until your eyes rest on the uplifted hand and immediately the viewers gaze is swept upwards along the swans wings so that we can fall all over again. The colours are so well balanced, as is the dark and light, the sharp and soft textures...truly a magical work of art.
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I bought this print in the largest size and had it stashed away for two years before I finally had to just hang it on my wall without a frame because I've never been able to afford one for it. It's so beautiful and really gives me a spot to reflect in my home. Thank you for making something that reaches so deep into so many of our spirits and hearts, I'll be forever grateful.
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youre so talented. this is the most amazing thing ever
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this is so beautifully intruiging... I spent `10 minutes looking at this picture.
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Elegant and gorgeous.
(However, I am not fond of swans.Β They are vicious creatures.)
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Woaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! This is really amazing! I love it! Β Β
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Your use of illumination in this piece is simply breathtaking
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...And there were flowers at the ocean's bottom. Beautiful.
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This is beautiful,
I mean heart-breakingly pretty, its so well done that it looks like this actually happened and the sad part is that it never did.
Its just lovely!!!
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so are saying that the swan/human in the picture was a victim and the kelpie feels guilt
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This is so beautiful! The composition, the light, everything!
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Saw your painting listed here. Thought you should know. [link]
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That's beautiful. The concept, the art itself. Wow...
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Wow, such poetry... This looks amazing !
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I love your vision of kelpies. It's very imaginative.
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.......im so overwhelmed i dunno wat to say......
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Hoooh.....it's really.....really....make me sad...
But,it's really beautiful...
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The composition is so well planned. Amazing colours as well : ))
Great job!
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