There’s still a minor tweak or two, but I finished this last night. I haven’t grappled with so much creative discord over a piece in awhile. It was kinda fun. I’m still not totally pleased with it, but I’m proud that I was able to complete three paintings in the last few months.

I didn’t plan on finishing one painting this summer, let alone three. This piece is based off of an old sketch I did of (I think) a model from 2017. It’s loosely based on the story of Actaeon and Diana, of Roman mythology, as depicted by the 1979 animated film, WINDS of CHANGE. I listened to its soundtrack for weeks while this was in process. Both the movie and Alec R. Costandinos’ album have continuously inspired me since I first saw/heard as a child.

Then, while taking a break, oddly staring at my cat’s food dish I recalled an issue of JACK KIRBY’S FOURTH WORLD by John Byrne. Minerva’s left over food reminded me of a universe-scape. That made me think to dig up some actual Jack Kirby work and begin to adapt it to this my final painting of Summer 2023. I won’t give up painting completely with the start of the school year, but I’ll miss this time in the studio. It’s exactly what my soul needed.

“August Diana”, 22×24”, oil painting on plywood.