Beginning

of a hamsa commission

A glimpse into how I do the initial drawing for the large hamsa paintings — this one is for A. E., a member of our Autotelic community, who gave me some directions about what they wanted symbolized in the drawing — elements such as air, water, fire, earth, lotus, pitcher, a few words, and they referenced one I’d already done for the color tones. They also mentioned an elephant — so I used a stencil I had on hand to give myself a guide for the outline — and I like to get those circles perfect too, especially when I’m using them to symbolize balance and the chakras.

I’m having a wonderful time getting the tones right on this one — I’ll make sure to show you when it’s finished. I’m using a new 300 GSM paper which is heavy in a good way and nicely textured.

If anyone is interested in placing custom orders for the holidays, let me know in the comments below and I’ll figure out how to set it all up on the shop. I can offer different sizes and price points from $75 - $350. All orders will have to be in by the end of October to guarantee delivery by the holidays, and I could probably only make time for twenty pieces or so since I marched down to the public library yesterday afternoon and secured myself a writer’s room for September 2023 - March 2024 so I can give this novel the chance it deserves! I find when you show up, it’s far easier to be successful at what you’re trying to do.

So anyway — if you’re considering placing a custom hamsa order for yourself or for a special someone, start thinking on it. I’m really enjoying the process of learning how to control tones and gradients with my watercolors and developing and deepening my style. Thank you for being my witnesses and ardent supporters. That you support my work financially gives my exploration a different shape than if I were keeping it all to myself. I’ll try to make sure I keep plenty of inspiration pieces going so I can keep the shop more well stocked. Y’all are so sweet to keep my pretty cleaned out!

I hope everyone is having a great week.

Peace. Love.

A.