Introducing "Seventh Heaven," a painting by yours truly, depicting the radiant Seo Ye-ji (서예지) with a joyous smile, as if descending from celestial realms like a benevolent angel. My aim was to capture the ethereal essence of this extraordinary individual, employing a blend of techniques that accentuate her celestial presence while maintaining a humble touch.
In bringing forth the heavenly aura, I meticulously rendered photorealistic details on Seo Ye-ji's face, arms, and legs. Simultaneously, I employed bolder brushstrokes to soften the intricacies of her dress, seamlessly merging her with the acrylic clouds that grace the backdrop. Through this intentional blurring of boundaries, I sought to evoke the impression that Seo Ye-ji is emerging organically from within the very fabric of the painting.
To achieve a seamless transition between distinct painting styles, I utilized pencil hatching techniques on the skin areas. This delicate touch fosters a graceful and natural convergence between the acrylic backdrop and the watercolor rendering of her face, resulting in a harmonious union of elements.
Inspiration for the style and colors of this piece stemmed from the awe-inspiring film "What Dreams May Come" (1998). In the movie, a landscape reminiscent of a painting crafted by the protagonist's beloved wife represents their envisioned haven for their twilight years. Drawing from this sentiment, I incorporated a similar style into my work, aiming to manifest a heavenly and dreamlike atmosphere that captivates the viewer's imagination.
As the artist, I take pride in my signature painting style, which combines diverse mediums. By seamlessly intertwining acrylic and watercolor, I achieve a visually striking contrast in texture. The smoothness of the watercolor face against the acrylic background, enhanced by the subtle pencil hatching, infuses the artwork with dynamic motion and vibrant life. This approach brings forth a realistic appearance, showcasing intricate details and textured shading on the face, with pencil sketch overlays that lend depth and dimension to the overall composition.
In the wise words of Chris, portrayed by the incomparable Robin Williams in "What Dreams May Come," let us remember that what some may consider impossible is merely that which they have yet to behold. Allow yourself to be transported into the ethereal realm of "Seventh Heaven," where the boundaries of artistry and heavenly beauty converge in a humbly crafted artwork.