Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Archangel Michael


This picture, the Four Archangels group, is still in Massachusetts, if it hasn't been lost. I've done many Archangel Michael pictures, and this tiny image was one of my earliest. I dressed him in the appropriate fiery armor, and suggested red flaming wings behind him. But why did I have his sword lowered, as if he were about to give up the eternal battle? I'd certainly make him more active if I had to do another Archangel Michael. But lately I have about had it with angels. They are everywhere in pretentious pop culture art and even Japanese anime seems obsessed with them. Enough with the angels please.

"Archangel Michael" is ink and watercolor on Fabriano paper, about 3" x 5", August 1985.

2 comments:

Tristan Alexander said...

This looks like a great prelim, The pose, design and feel are great to me. You have a grace and power in this that I never seem to capture! Maybe someday (with your permission) I will use this as a base to do a more detailed elaborate version! I thik Angels are popular because even though Christianity has claimed them, they have been around from the dawn of time as a concept! And the devine messengers or beings of light, apeal to people of all types!

Pyracantha said...

Tristan, I think you'd do a great Archangel Michael. Feel free to use this drawing as a base, I am not working with it any more.