I am thrilled to be a part of the Triumph of Life project to raise money for cancer! Once the deck is printed and ready for purchase I will be sure to post again! For more information on the project you can visit Andrew’s site. A big thank you to Andrew for making it all come together!

I have to say that in creating this card that I haven’t painted this much nor for this long in one day since I was in art school. It’s hard work!

I was nervous going into the final painting because time was of the essence and I really didn’t want to have to do another painting. So I took it slow and that in and of itself was difficult. I am not a patient person by nature so this was also a growth experience for me. A valuable growth experience when you also chalk up to that all of the test paintings I did before starting the final. My husband was impressed! Although, I have to say that when I do work for others I take more time and make test paintings/drawings. I love getting to that final piece but I know the final piece will be much better for the client than if I just threw it together. That’s a big deal for me and makes the whole process well worth it.

I was even a bit nervous doing the drawing! I created a light pencil outline which would be darkened later as one of the last steps.

12May2015_Tarot_10I love the way watercolour reacts to salt and was excited to use this process for her wings.
14May2015_6ofWands_01Watercolours done! Now it’s time to outline. I really do love my new mechanical pencil with its .3mm lead. It’s the bestest!14May2015_6ofWands_0214May2015_6ofWands_07I got a little nervous again when it came to working on the wings. I wanted to have just the right weight for the graphite pencil lines.14May2015_6ofWands_11I also added a bit of shading with the pencil around her face and other areas then went back in with some grey watercolour as well. I like mixing the two together.14May2015_6ofWands_12The final card! Whew! I have to say I am very happy with the results. I think a lot of that has to do with the time I took to do many drawings and paintings before I began the final piece. So so worth it to me. 🙂

15May2015_6ofWands sized ©

Below is the card description which I wrote to explain the card meaning and the symbolism.

6 of Wands

Meaning:

Triumph over adversity!

This is a time of celebration. Your vital energy has aided you in overcoming many obstacles throughout your journey. These challenges and hardships have transformed you into a stronger, more confident person. Still, it is not time for rest just yet. Keeping a keen eye on the journey ahead is paramount—you are now on the road to success and seeing your dreams come to light. Despite your challenges you shall come out on top!

About the painting:

Upon her head she wears a laurel wreath, the Roman symbol of victory. It reminds her of her own personal struggle in which she has overcome many challenges and hardships on her journey. In her hand she holds a red nasturtium, the flower of heroes, and symbol of strength and victory. The rich colours of her clothing, the flower she holds, and her new, outstretched wings, remind her of the vibrancy of life and the ability to endure. As her wings lift her high she looks down at the harsh landscape below and smiles to see that others have broken free through their vitality, and strength to persevere.

 

I feel like I want to paint an entire deck now! Haha!

 

Happy creating!

Moongirl xx

 

 

 

17 Comments

  1. artyshroo

    This is so beautiful! I love the finished card and all the thought and research you put into your exquisite illustration. I for one would LOVE to see a full deck – it would really speak to me and to anyone who reads tarot. Completely enchanting xxxx

    1. moongirl

      Thank you so much, Rachel! ❤ I am really beginning to find my style, one that just comes naturally and that feels so good! I think I may add a set of tarot to my ‘art ideas’ bullet journal list. Would be so fun – but it may take me years! ha!

    1. moongirl

      I keep thinking about tarot sets since I made this one – I may have to add it to my ‘to do’ list. Maybe I will have one complete in like five years – haha! 🙂

  5. Elizabeth Cooper

    Absolutely gorgeous! I work with the Tarot and I love your interpretation of the 6 of Wands. And your watercolor skills are incredible! Especially the blending on the flower petals, and that beautifully patchy background… Stunning!

  10. Pingback: watercolour painting, nova scotia artist | of art and other things

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