“Under Her Mantle” is underway!

Good Friday morning!

Right now I am up in the sky on my way to Florence, Italy for an art retreat put on by Art Escape Italy! I am buzzing with excitement to be learning from the amazing portrait painter Tania Rivilis with 24 other artists for a week!

I know I missed last week’s email - I ran into a bit of a curveball with Under Her Mantle (the official title of this painting!).

After doing a few color studies and pose changes, I got caught in a “design hole” - that dreaded place where good ideas get expanded more and more until you don’t know which direction to go.

This “design hole” included pose changes, color studies, and a major "mood shift” from Mary’s comfort in despair to hope. But I really love the direction this is going and the response on Instagram has been positive to both versions! There’s even a possibility of doing a “seasonal” series with Mary comforting us in all seasons!

Check out some of the sketches I’ve done below - as well as the latest progress on the final painting! And let me know what resonates with you in the comments!

As I’m painting this piece, I am thinking more about what to include in my next print drop for you all! I have a few ideas and might even include multiple in the same drop.

Can I get your input?

Also - I’ve been putting together process videos on this piece so you can really see what it takes to paint one of my pieces! Click below to watch!:)

That’s it for now! Pray for me during my retreat! I can’t wait to show you what we work on!

God Bless,

-Mattie :)

P.S. I had the opportunity to be one of two live guest painters at this absolutely GORGEOUS garden-themed wedding last weekend! Check out some of the photos below!