hi all!
i'm now at a stopping point where i might be satisfied with my raven painting, huzzah! there might be some tinkering here and there, but for the most part i'm happy with what it has to tell me.
yes, i took the plunge and did the scary thing by getting into more detail with the ravens, and that meant possibly messing them up with some white lines. and yes, i was freaked out when those lines weren't to my satisfaction, but i muddled through the scary bit by letting the lines dry and then doing a wash of purple and blue over the white, creating more muted linework. i also worked in other spots to get the look i wanted.
here's some close-up shots of a few of my favorite bits, then one of the painting as a whole- though it's really hard to see the details and such with the poor lighting and the glossy paint. this one will be difficult to get a quality photo to put in my shop, and it might have to wait until summer for a good day so we can take it outside to photograph properly.
the main raven has 3 chakra points, explained later
here's showing the third eye chakra
this dude still has the "4" on his chest that you can see when the light is right
love the gold texture in this sweeties chest
and the pink in the legs
note the gem- explained later
this area is delicious to me!including the throat chakra
the crystals all have fun areas this batch has gold that shines in areas
crystals= healing/healer
this has always been a favorite spot fun colors and texture
and the painting as a whole;
i present to you
"Ravens Realm"
jenny gabrenas finished 2/6/23
for the sake of simplicity (cause i'm tired!) here's the notes i took before and during the painting, to get my mind into the project. i'll interject with some thoughts as i re-read my notes
Raven painting ideas;
3 ravens in different poses, 1 main raven.
Collecting baubles around them, lots of eye pauses
Purple in main raven, yellows, oranges around, sunset,
gold/metallic (some gold sheet maybe)
messy textures, collage, scratching paint
The fool tarot card (journey) (decided not to add this detail)
Chakra symbols/colors ( 3rd eye- dark royal blue;
throat- turquoise; root- red)
Crystals, necklace, heart (didnt add the heart)
Added later as I painted- Sun rays into raindrops. (to imply "intuition sharpened by challenges")
(as i got into the painting, i looked up raven symbolism. the bolded words imply important imagery and intentions to be added)
Raven symbolism taken from;
https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/raven-symbolism-meaning-spirit-animal/ and other similar sites
Raven helps us change
our perspectives.
Raven’s variety of sizes of feathers as well as iridescent
black is symbolic of this bird’s connection to shifting consciousness in many cultures. Raven helps us discover power and wisdom lying
in the dark.
Because of their association with communication and psychic
abilities, Raven is symbolic of the Third Eye Chakra and spiritual awakenings.
This interpretation of Raven’s meaning in your life is easy to understand when
you consider the Raven’s iridescent color from black to blue. Considering
generic bird symbolism associated with communication, you can also connect
Raven to the Throat
Chakra. The dark coloring of Raven’s wings and connection
between this bird and the Earth can also lead you to attribute Raven’s meaning
as symbolic of the Root Chakra, reminding you to ground yourself when facing
obstacles.
Let this sage master “call” to the quarters of creation with
your intention.
Raven has been called a master
of time. Procrastinators out there, get ready.
If Raven wings his way into your awareness you are about to
get a lesson in using time wisely. You may be in the right space at the right
moment, and Raven encourages that
change in movement in your life. (editing jenny here; i had initially wanted to add a pocketwatch in the main ravens beak, but it didnt want to be added there. might revisit this idea somewhere else)
A Raven totem means that you are often the human version of
Mercury, delivering information to others. This may be something mundane like
guidance in their protection or something deeply spiritual. Raven people often walk the line between
the worlds, acting as a bridge. (bridge to other worlds=walking the ladder to the moon)
Raven totem is often found among healers and those who are charged with the
sacred duty of helping others initiate into deeper mysteries. You may be a
leader who is responsible for protecting others and facilitating healing and
growth during times of darkness.
First, however, you may need to heal yourself and embrace your own higher
wisdom. Raven totem can reveal your true power and potential as your intuition is sharpened by challenging
circumstances. You may go through a difficult path that leads you to be
reborn in a significant way when Raven is your totem.
delve into the realms of the unconscious and reaching for your true Be-ing.
Big things are on the horizon and Raven helps you to
prepare. Learning to adapt, speak up for yourself and fight back when you have
to are all lessons that are part of Raven symbolism.
Ravens can portend a journey, transformation, the need to
change your consciousness or perception, or a symbolic death and rebirth.
Raven can also help
you take back what is yours. Known for their tendencies to steal shiny objects,
Raven symbolism is also about being attracted to what holds value for you.
Don’t be afraid to reclaim what is yours. Often this comes in the form of
healing past traumas or healing your Inner Child. (red gem in ravens mouth=taking back what's mine. needed at this time)
Raven’s appearance most likely is an omen that something is about to
transform your life. Whether positive or negative, total transformation is
usually dramatic. And, so, Raven spirit can help guide you safely through the
fray.
Remember that Raven consumes the remains of other creatures, giving this
bird the additional symbolic value of cleansing. Perhaps there is something old and unhealthy that you may need to purge? Raven is a great helpmate for that.
Raven is also an excellent teacher,
guide, and partner for magical studies and efforts.
Your ability to reverse your associations of death from
something to fear to a recognition of a powerful rite of passage completing the
circle of life, death and rebirth is also part of Raven’s message. Raven helps
us change our perspectives.
One thing is for certain, with Raven around your life will
not want for mystical adventures and spiritual surprises.
that's the end of the symbolism i found that i needed to include.
Words needed for raven energy;
mystical adventures and new awakening
healer, heal yourself
change perspectives
raven intuition
collections
reclaiming my self
speak up
raven insights
fly free
raven stands up for herself
raven has powerful medicine and painting these beauties was important for me at this time. i hope you enjoyed reading about my journey into Ravens Realm!
until later,
jenny
