Available at mercurialmuseart.com
I started with a floral motif in gold leaf and burnished the pattern. I stared at the design for awhile before I realized a curled up little fox belongs in the center.

#art #goldleaf #eggtempera #painting #oilpainting #mercurialmuse #artsky #animalart #bskyart

I love symbolic portraiture because it feels like building a person from clues. A face, a pose, a crow, a pattern, a bit of gold. Small choices can quietly shape the whole feeling of a painting. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

I wanted this piece to feel intimate and cosmic at the same time, like someone standing inside their own constellation map. Also, painting tiny stars is a very effective way to lose track of time. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #celestialart #figurativeart

I'm working on a little 8x10 painting with gold leaf in the Renaissance style. I'm much inspired by the pre Raphaelite style. Thanks to @howardlyonart.bsky.social for the reference photo. Available soon

#artsky #oilpainting #bskyart #painting #art #mercurialmuse #portraiture #traditionalart #icons

Tiny altar energy. I liked the idea of giving a bee the kind of setting usually reserved for relics and icons. Gold leaf really does love making small things feel important. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #beeart #gilding #painting

When I plan a symbolic portrait, I do not start with what looks impressive. I start with what feels true. A gesture, an expression, an animal, or a touch of gold can completely change the story a painting tells. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

Some paintings tell a whole story. This one just stared back. I loved how that deep blue came alive against the gold. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #birdart #goldleafart

I love taking small subjects and treating them with real care. A bee, a bird, a tiny painted panel. Sometimes making something feel sacred is just a matter of slowing down and giving it attention. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

I am pretty sure this crow knows something and is choosing silence for dramatic effect. The gold background only encouraged that behavior. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #crowart #goldleafart

Sometimes a patch of water acts like it deserves its own portrait, and honestly this one did. Just reeds, ripples, and a few and a yass queen of the dramatic. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #natureart #painting #reflectivewater

Sometimes a patch of water acts like it deserves its own portrait, and honestly I should have kept on walking.They can't all be winners. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #natureart #painting #reflectivewater

I love the moment when an animal in a painting stops feeling literal and starts feeling personal. A crow or a frog can carry so much meaning once you start thinking beyond the surface. That is when the story opens up for me. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

A crow holding a gemstone felt too good to pass up. It has the energy of a treasure, a prank, and a secret all at once. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #crowart #raven

In this one, the room refused to behave like a background. The birds, the pattern, the gold floor, everything wanted a speaking role. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #painting #figurativeart #painting

I love symbolic portraiture because it feels like building a person from clues. A face, a pose, a crow, a pattern, a bit of gold. Small choices can quietly shape the whole feeling of a painting. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

Another photo from my recent Ophelia photoshoot! There's going to be so many choices for paintings. How do I choose which one to paint next?

#painting #inspiration #mercurialmuse #Shakespeare #art #artphotography

This painting has chains, a snake, and the emotional energy of someone who has had enough. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart  #Painting

The first time I used gold leaf I thought I had made a mess. It stuck everywhere except where I wanted it. Then I stepped back and saw how it changed the light in the painting. That is why I keep coming back to it. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #arttips

Lake Tahoe really does most of the work for you. I just showed up with paint and tried not to embarrass myself. #art #artsky #mercurialmuse #bskyart #Painting

Don't just use black out of tube, mix it up! It's called chromatic black and it has so much more life to it. 

#art #painting #mixingpaint #painting #arttips #mercurialmuse #artsky #bskyart