Today at the Washington Midsummer Faire, I completed a painting titled “Spice Conspiracy.” The piece captures a mysterious gathering of crows and a curious cat, set against the backdrop of a large pumpkin. The dark, moody colors and sharp contrasts hint at a secretive plot, while the small bucket labeled “Spice” adds an element of intrigue. The expressive eyes of the animals suggest they know something we don’t, drawing the viewer into a world where even nature conspires.
Frau Perchta, also known as Perchta or Berchta, is a figure rooted in the folklore of Germanic and Alpine traditions, particularly in Austria, Bavaria, and parts of Switzerland. She is often associated with the pre-Christian pagan traditions of the region, and her legend has evolved over centuries, blending elements of mythology, religion, and local customs.
The origins of Frau Perchta are somewhat obscure, but she is generally believed to be a pagan goddess or spirit who presided over winter, particularly the time of the winter solstice. Her name is thought to derive from the Old High German word “bercht,” meaning “bright” or “shining,” which suggests she may have originally been a benevolent figure associated with light and the sun.
Over time, however, her image became more complex, and she took on both benevolent and malevolent aspects, much like other figures in European folklore. In some versions of the legend, she is seen as a protector of women, particularly those who spin and weave, while in others, she is a punisher of the lazy and the wicked.
Frau Perchta is often depicted with two very distinct aspects. On one hand, she is seen as a beautiful, benevolent woman who rewards the hardworking and virtuous. She might leave small gifts, such as coins, for those who have been good during the year, much like St. Nicholas or Santa Claus.
On the other hand, she is also portrayed as a fearsome, hag-like figure who punishes the lazy, disobedient, or immoral. In some stories, she is said to carry a knife and will slit open the bellies of those who displease her, stuffing their bodies with straw or rocks. This duality reflects her role as both a bringer of light and life, as well as a harbinger of death and darkness.
Frau Perchta is closely associated with the Perchten, a group of masked figures that represent spirits of winter and nature. These figures are traditionally divided into two groups: the “schönperchten” (beautiful Perchten) and the “schiachperchten” (ugly Perchten). The former are said to bring blessings and good fortune, while the latter bring chaos and mischief.
During the winter months, particularly around Epiphany (January 6), processions known as “Perchtenläufe” are held in many Alpine villages. In these processions, people dress up as the Perchten, wearing elaborate masks and costumes, and parade through the streets, making noise to drive away evil spirits and ensure good luck for the coming year. Frau Perchta herself is sometimes depicted as leading these processions.
With the spread of Christianity in Europe, many pagan traditions were either suppressed or transformed to fit into Christian beliefs. Frau Perchta’s legend was no exception. In some Christianized versions of the tale, she was depicted as a witch or demonic figure, reinforcing her role as a punisher of the wicked. The Church often portrayed her as a cautionary figure, warning people to behave properly during the Christmas season.
However, despite these efforts, Frau Perchta remained a popular figure in folk traditions, particularly in rural areas, where she continued to be revered and feared as a powerful winter spirit.
Today, Frau Perchta remains a significant figure in Alpine folklore, and her legend continues to be celebrated in various forms. The Perchten processions, in particular, have experienced a revival in recent years, drawing both locals and tourists to witness the spectacle.
In contemporary culture, Frau Perchta is sometimes compared to other winter figures like Krampus or the Italian Befana, who also embody a mix of benevolence and malevolence. She represents the complex interplay between light and darkness, life and death, that is often found in winter myths and traditions.
While her story has evolved over the centuries, Frau Perchta remains a potent symbol of the winter season’s mysteries and the timeless struggle between good and evil.
“Aurora Spirit” is a striking and vibrant painting that seems to merge natural phenomena with the ethereal. The central focus of the painting is a spirit-like figure that appears to be a fusion of an animal, possibly a bear or wolf, and the aurora borealis. The colors of the northern lights—soft greens, blues, purples, and hints of pink—flow throughout the piece, creating an ethereal and almost otherworldly effect.
The spirit figure is composed of these flowing aurora-like shapes, with its face emerging in the center of the painting. The use of light and color within the form of the spirit is delicate yet powerful, giving the figure a sense of presence and mystery. The background features a deep blue night sky, speckled with tiny stars, enhancing the feeling that this spirit exists within a cosmic or natural realm.
The blending of abstract forms with recognizable features, like the eyes and nose of the spirit, creates a sense of ambiguity, allowing the viewer to interpret the figure as both a part of the natural world and something otherworldly. The overall mood of the painting is serene yet powerful, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world and its mystical elements.
“Peace on Earth” is an evocative acrylic painting that blends the tranquility of nature with a subtle, contemplative presence. The artwork depicts a serene winter landscape at dawn, with a raven perched solemnly on a snow-covered warrior, lost in some past battle. The background features a forest of evergreen trees dusted with snow, while the sky transitions from deep blue to soft pink hues, capturing the delicate light of early morning. The scene is calm and still, yet the raven’s watchful eye adds a touch of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the deeper significance of peace amid the solitude of winter.
The painting tells the story of a Viking funeral, invoking themes of honor, tradition, and farewell. The peacefulness of the sea and sky complements the solemnity of the scene, creating a balanced emotional response…. At least when I asked for a critique this is part of what I got back.
This was one of the first paintings I did back in 2014. It was kind of plain, a pointillism study of a woman. Here is the original.
I’ve updated it, maintaining the pointillism. The brush, as was the first time, was q-tips.
In this evocative winter scene, a grand, seemingly haunted mansion stands stark against the snowy landscape, its dark silhouette accentuated by the cold, pale light of dusk. The sky, painted in ethereal hues of blue and purple, hints at an impending nightfall, adding a sense of foreboding to the atmosphere. Bare, twisted trees frame the mansion, their skeletal branches reaching out like the hands of specters. In the foreground, a lone snowman stands sentinel, eerily juxtaposed with the ominous gathering of black birds perched on a nearby branch. The intricate play of light and shadow, combined with the rich textures and subtle color shifts, imbues the painting with a sense of mystery and quiet tension, inviting viewers to ponder the stories hidden within this hauntingly beautiful scene.
The painting, “Hidden Sanctuary,” captures the mystique of an ancient, forgotten temple nestled deep within a lush jungle, possibly in Cambodia, Thailand or Laos. Towering spires and intricately carved statues peek through the verdant foliage, hinting at a once-great civilization now lost to time. The scene is brought to life with rich, vibrant colors, highlighting the serene yet enigmatic ambiance of the ruins. A small chameleon, blending seamlessly with its surroundings, adds a touch of life to the serene landscape, embodying the timeless guardianship of the temple’s hidden secrets.
Based on a song by Sail North called Tale of the Shadow, this painting recreates the discovery of a ghost treasure ship, the Shadow, which has a reputation for being untamable.
I painted this at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance faire last weekend. It’s not the best photo.
Finished this piece this weekend at the Ohio Viking Festival. It’s about a woman waiting for the return of her love. it’s 18×24”, acrylic on canvas. It’s for sale.
In the latest work by Rob Medley, “Ancestral Warden” encapsulates the eerie beauty of a night-time forest inhabited by a mysterious creature. This acrylic impressionist work showcases Rob’s ability to play with light and shadow, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and haunting.
Painting Analysis and Review
The painting invites viewers into a moonlit forest, where the full moon bathes the landscape in an ethereal glow. The light seeps through the barren branches, casting an otherworldly luminescence on the forest floor. The delicate interplay of light and dark creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the eye towards the central figure—an enigmatic creature perched on a tree, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
The creature, with its antlered head and skeletal body, is a testament to Medley’s fascination with the macabre and the mystical. The use of muted greens and browns contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blues and whites of the moonlight, enhancing the sense of otherworldliness. This balance of color not only highlights the creature’s eerie presence but also underscores the tranquil yet unsettling ambiance of the scene.
One of the most striking aspects of this painting is Rob’s masterful use of light to evoke emotion. The gentle glow of the moonlight, juxtaposed with the shadows, creates a sense of calm and serenity, while the presence of the creature introduces an element of suspense and intrigue. This duality keeps the viewer engaged, constantly exploring the nuances of the scene.
From the imaginative halls of the Flights of Fancy Gallery in New York City, the latest exhibition presents a captivating painting that invites both admiration and contemplation. Titled “Ember’s Embrace,” this piece is a striking exploration of contrast and emotion.
The artist employs a vivid color palette that masterfully captures the ferocity of fire against the tranquility of a forested backdrop. The night sky, awash with hues of purple and speckles of white, suggests a cosmos that is both distant and intimately connected to the scene below. The foreground is dominated by a fiery silhouette that seems to draw energy from the flames enveloping it, creating a focal point that is as enigmatic as it is commanding.
“Ember’s Embrace” showcases a blend of techniques, with textured brushwork that adds a tactile depth to the forest, contrasting with the smoother strokes that define the figure and flames. This juxtaposition can be seen as a metaphor for the chaotic nature of life and the pursuit of inner stillness amid turmoil.
However, the composition does leave room for improvement. The balance between light and shadow is somewhat uneven, with certain areas of the forest receiving less definition, which detracts from the overall depth. Additionally, while the central figure is mesmerizing, its contours and the interplay with the flames could be refined to enhance the illusion of movement and transformation.
In conclusion, “Ember’s Embrace” is a commendable piece within the imaginary Flights of Fancy Gallery’s collection. It demonstrates the artist’s bold use of color and their ability to invoke emotion through abstraction. While certain technical aspects could be honed, the painting remains a testament to the enduring power of art to evoke wonder and introspection.Forest