This image came to me one night as I drifted off to sleep. We had been reading Terry Prattchet’s “Mort” a fabulously fun read. I would like to say this wasn’t influenced at all by the book, but there’s really no way it wasn’t, so I guess we’ll call this my tribute to “Mort”

From the image in my mind came a simple sketch

Then colored in with pencil to get a feel for what kind of colors I might need to find.

I collected various flowers from the garden and brought them in.

I spread them out to see the colors on the canvas. I lay the torn petals out in a stream from his eye, just how later I would cast his vision on to a flower. This is one of my favorite images.

Filling in the background blues.

The rest of the blues for the background completed. I really enjoyed this part because instead of using the swirl effect I had done thus far, I tried streaking the flowers across the canvas. I enjoy the flow it gave to the painting.

Nearly Finished

A close up on the eye

This was where it sat for quite some time, I used a berry, don’t recall which kind at the moment to get the red and quite by accident it took on a heart shape.


I maybe should have stopped here, but there were two pieces I desperately wanted to add to this piece. A vibrant red for the flower, I may or may not launch into a multi page epic about how difficult a good red is to find. For now, suffice it to say, it is a lengthy subject.

Second, I wanted to add a layer of shimmer to his robe and maybe the night sky. I had intended to do this by finishing it, spraying the sealer on it and then running the White Hollyhock across it to give it that iridescent quality it gives so well…

However, that failed. I don’t think I did any damage to the overall painting with the attempt, but I could see it was having an undesired effect.

I am happy with the final piece, but no so much the red.

Here is a close up on the flower

And lastly, I thought this might be interesting. This is the back of the canvas, where I often prep a batch of petals for painting on the front of the canvas or try out something I am not sure of how it will look.