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This is the first piece in a series of artwork that is still ongoing (which I am working on over an uncertain length of time). Featuring anthropomorphic characterisations of North American wildlife and influenced by Native American Indian craft and culture, I hope to compile a ‘portfolio’ (at the moment tentatively titled ‘Native Spirits’) that will eventually go on sale. I remember mentioning a long while back now, in a different corner of the web, that this portfolio aims to go by a ‘spiritual, folklore and matters of the heart’ kind of theme. The art direction is something different to what I usually do, and this is actually quite a leap for me. I don’t usually concern myself over consistency in style, yet a portfolio of work should really have a familiar feel throughout. I’ve also paid painful attention to the element of realism here… the characters are not my usual ‘animal head on human body’ result, and I’ve reviewed the anatomy so as to give the impression of evolved beings (with opposable thumbs!) I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m either a nerd, or I’ve been reading too much into Darwin’s theories. Btw, I have always had an avid interest in Native American history, culture, craft and so on (sometimes maybe too much; I stink the house out with sage and my coyote-faced dream catcher somewhat freaks people out with it’s ‘eerie stare’) and I hope that these works will reflect this interest and be enjoyed by others. I’m a big history buff by nature. Back to the actual art (blah, blah), a coyote performs a sacred smudging ceremony with bound sage bundle and feather fan. I’m a sucker for feathers. The picture perhaps came out a little too red/orange, but I’m not complaining too much… honest!
(Artwork © Leona Preston 2005).
(Artwork © Leona Preston 2005).
Category Artwork (Traditional) / Miscellaneous
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 450 x 630px
File Size 212.5 kB
Very nice image, with tons of small details adding to it. The wolf himself has a very detailed anatomy; you can tell you put extra time into it. His arms, hands, ears, especially strike me as being very well done. Speaking of evolution I like the fact you put a
dewclaw near his wrists, a detail that I’ve never seen put into an anthromorphic character; appears useless to him, but it is in wolves as well, though it does give a kind of unfinished evolutionary look to him (you could easily imagine the dewclaw becoming less and less distinctive as it slowly evolves out of the species over many more generations). Also really like his whole attire. The feathers, necklace, arm bands, earrings, symbol going across his loin cloth, the burning sage, and fan all add greatly to the feel of the image. Has a perfect appearance as an old Native American shaman/medicine man.
The fact you chose a wolf anthro is also interesting since the wolf played a very important part in many Native American rituals and dances, and I know at least one tribe’s medicine men carried wolf bundles (skin+ bones) to use in healing rituals. So I personally find it interesting to see a wolf shaman; :P no need to call upon a spirit of a wolf when you are one.
On top of the character the background is also beautiful and full of small details; you definitely put a lot into it. Color scheme for it also turned out really well in my opinion.
Really enjoyed this picture and I really like the concept for the portfolio you’re talking about, will definitely be interested in it whenever you’re able to put it up for sale. Wish you the best of luck with it. Also don’t know if you’d be interested, but I’d really recommend a book called Of Wolves and Men if you’ve never read it. Has a lot of information on wolves, and looks at them from many different angles (historical, scientific, legend, religious, ect). Has a large section on wolves’ roles in Native American Culture. Pretty interesting read., has some sad stories in it.
dewclaw near his wrists, a detail that I’ve never seen put into an anthromorphic character; appears useless to him, but it is in wolves as well, though it does give a kind of unfinished evolutionary look to him (you could easily imagine the dewclaw becoming less and less distinctive as it slowly evolves out of the species over many more generations). Also really like his whole attire. The feathers, necklace, arm bands, earrings, symbol going across his loin cloth, the burning sage, and fan all add greatly to the feel of the image. Has a perfect appearance as an old Native American shaman/medicine man.
The fact you chose a wolf anthro is also interesting since the wolf played a very important part in many Native American rituals and dances, and I know at least one tribe’s medicine men carried wolf bundles (skin+ bones) to use in healing rituals. So I personally find it interesting to see a wolf shaman; :P no need to call upon a spirit of a wolf when you are one.
On top of the character the background is also beautiful and full of small details; you definitely put a lot into it. Color scheme for it also turned out really well in my opinion.
Really enjoyed this picture and I really like the concept for the portfolio you’re talking about, will definitely be interested in it whenever you’re able to put it up for sale. Wish you the best of luck with it. Also don’t know if you’d be interested, but I’d really recommend a book called Of Wolves and Men if you’ve never read it. Has a lot of information on wolves, and looks at them from many different angles (historical, scientific, legend, religious, ect). Has a large section on wolves’ roles in Native American Culture. Pretty interesting read., has some sad stories in it.
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