Tribute to Leonard Cohen (watercolor, ink)
I have grown up listening to some of his tunes on the radio and knew he went off the rails to meditate with the divine for several years. I went to the internet and watched many YouTube videos and documentaries and discovered his self-effacing humor!
Invoking the spirit of Leonard Cohen, I embarked on a journey to create a piece of art that would do justice to his legacy. I envisioned a portrait that would capture his essence, using scratch pen nibs dipped in ink over a watercolor underpainting. The incorporation of a foam-core frame was not just a display choice but an integral part of the art itself, adding depth and texture to the piece.
I painted around his head some fine powder gold dust with a transparent gel medium to enhance a glowing halo effect, and then added fine lines of purple oil pastel, giving the surface sparkle.
To protect the surface of the painting without glass, I recently learned a method of applying Gamblin cold wax medium to the surface of the paper, which helps protect the artwork from regular dirt damage. The complete art piece does not weigh much and is an easy piece to hang on a small nail or hook.
Drawing quickly, I want to keep Leonard's face lines more sketchy and spontaneous in appearance. I listen to his music in the background.
I painted around his head some fine powder gold dust with a transparent gel medium to enhance a glowing halo effect, and then added fine lines of purple oil pastel, giving the surface sparkle.
To protect the surface of the painting without glass, I recently learned a method of applying Gamblin cold wax medium to the surface of the paper, which helps protect the artwork from regular dirt damage. The complete art piece does not weigh much and is an easy piece to hang on a small nail or hook.
Drawing quickly, I want to keep Leonard's face lines more sketchy and spontaneous in appearance. I listen to his music in the background.
He has sharp facial features that are much like his humor, yet there is also softness and vulnerability in his character. His mouth area is dramatic, and the philtrum, which shapes a sharply lined upper lip, then joins into the plump pout of the bottom lip.
Leonard's face reflects his style of writing and music very well. You get a sense of mystery, spiritual yet street smart, and a warmth in character that welcomes you to the fire.
Wanting to use foam core to display and set off the artwork without using traditional framing, I built up two hidden layers to raise the artwork above the black foam core. I took some conservation brown heavy paper, cut it with ZIGZAG scissors, and stuck it down with two-way tape to finish off the edges.
It came to mind to dig through the studio garbage, hoping to find old guitar strings discarded, and it was my lucky day! I found them at the bottom and decided to reuse them in my art piece. Jim, my creative partner in crime, had just restrung his guitar with new strings! I thought it to be the perfect halo above the artwork for Leonard's head. Think he might approve!
I enjoyed the videos & music of Leonard Cohen, and also relished his wisdom, which encourages us to seek deeper meaning in all that we breathe into life.
'Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just ash.'
Quote by Leonard Cohen
Cheers to Leonard Cohen, with thanks for creating a body of work that inspires us all!
Time for me to go burn some life and leave some ash!
Minaz Jantz
Minaz Jantz
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