ancient Queen of Summer
robed red against the cobalt sky
July, all languid and full of summer…….

July
and as, all her days
began to frolic
throughout the month
so lovely and softly warm –
the Queen of Summer reigns.
July,
o ancient Queen
benevolent July
Queen of Summer,
untamed tresses of gilded locks
that glitter
with the setting sun
reflecting
summer’s glory
in every strand.
her name was July
Watercolor Painting Process
This is a watercolor/mixed media piece. The underlying foundation began as watercolor wet in wet.
And then, the evolutionary process took over.
It, dictated to me, what it would be.
and….. Her name was July!
- applied molding paste texture onto watercolor Arches CP paper
- dried overnight
- applied watercolor washes of pale skin tone, pink and blue wet in wet
- let dry thoroughly
- applied light touches of acrylic paints to emphasize the design
- let dry
- applied 22k gold leaf on face, brows, lips, etc
My Inspirations for this art piece are 3 fold:
- July is now, the official World Watercolor Month
2. I’ve always loved the month of July, growing up in the Pacific NW it was …Summer! I lived for those lovely mild, warm days, all 31 of them.
3. My planned July trip over there was cancelled, so I am ‘improvising.’ I’m envisioning myself there!
Debbie, You have captured July in all her glory. I love the texture, adding life to the curly hair.
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thanks Sharon! She was Different. And such fun, I really enjoyed this and I’m very glad you did as well! 🙂 D
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Happy July 1st (for you still 30th here :-)) Sorry you’re not visiting this month but looking forward to your daily watercolours. I think I’ll join in 🙂
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that would be fabulous Andrew! and, you don’t have to do it every day…. just when you want! Great 🙂
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I love July! you amaze me, I got excited when I saw this wonderful piece…..I do love portraits but you took it a step beyond and elevated portraiture….I know that you like to be different and take the upper, untraveled road. Man, I am tired today, I am trying to convey what the heck I mean….I hope that you are getting my meaning….you knocked it out of the park! BAM! I love this, kind of reminds me of whatshisname….you know, the artist who used a lot of gold in his portraits of ladies, kind of dreamy like your July. Anyway, awesome!
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Klimt or Odilon? …. thank you M! I adore July 🙂
you BEAT too? I’m knackered. ie bedrest…for 2 days. I’m doing a 2 weekend Pastel workshop series, july 9 and 16. need to prep for. goodie.
Thank Goodness, for Your enthusiasm on this! wasn’t sure how, it was going to fly. If YOU Like it, I’m happy!!!!!
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ah Klimt, that’s him….yep tuckered, I am getting too old for Art! a very demanding lover, I should say, no worries my husband knows….lol pastel workshop? what? tell me more, so neat!
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Oh yes! Love, love the texture in this piece Debi! Happy July (even if you can’t be in the Pacific NW)!
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thanks Deb… close my eyes, and imagine myself In the River!! yaya!
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very nice painting and words, dear Debi. Your painting reminds me a bit of Gustav Klimt because it is a bit art-nouveauish (if that word exists?) which I like a lot. Have a nice day, virtual hugs Mitza
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July is usually better than rainy June, but we’re starting out with a sprinkly July 1st – nice and fresh, ready for sunny days. Nice poetry. Your Queen has that “old time royalty” look.
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Thanks!! she does. it was odd… I don’t “do” people. but she just came out, 🙂
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Thank you, Debi! Always so inspiring to see your work and to learn how you created it. Thanks for leaving those breadcrumbs for the rest of us to find. (And yes, they are gluten free, so even I get to grab ’em!) I hope you are feeling better soon! Sending prayers and Light your way. ❤
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that, was funny!! GF.. lol (not tooo hard tho)
Thank YOU! its just bit of bronchitis, will clear up. feeling Better with all that Laura Light my way 🙂
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I’m so glad. Light Love and clear breathing to you! ((((((3d)))))) 💜
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Lovely July indeed with an evocative image and beautiful words. Thank you! 🙂
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July is Beautiful!!! 😍Love this Debi!
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thank You! 🙂
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I wish I could paint. I always dream of doing it, but I guess I was’nt born with a paintbrush in my mouth.
Yours Painting are so Beautiful.
July is my Fav month too.
Love Cattie
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So glad you enjoyed the image and post; and that is a lovely comment thank you Cattie! to tell you the truth… I didn’t pick up my brush til I was over 30 years old. And, then with a lot of ‘flack’ from family and friends too!!
But, I believe. That if you want to paint, you can…start! just little steps, maybe. But thats how I first, started too. cheers, Debi 🙂
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Debs, I rather keep my fingers on my keyboard, than have them ruin a lovely canvas paper with my 5 year old drawings!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
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boy, I really do understand! learning art (anything) is painful!! I remember just How many times, I fell off when I was learning to ride my horse… ouch! and so embarrassing. LOL
and learning, to paint so late. that is a whole other story!
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It happened in Swimming Class with me. One day in the initial training , my trainer swam to gossip with some other friends and I somehow reached the middle of the pool and started drowning. I gasped with fear and with the water going into mu eyes and nose, I could not shout for help and got ready to die drowning. Thankfully Lord Jesus, turned someone’s attention to me and I got saved.
LOL. Now I dare not enter the pool.
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