The story of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet is such a tragic one. She is the victim of the political maneuverings of those around her while her role in the whole mess is incidental. Hamlet, who is supposed to marry her, is terrible to her. She is driven mad by it all and eventually takes her life by drowning. Happy Valentine’s Day!
As a subject, she has been painted many times and is closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite painters. So, of course, I was drawn to her as a subject. 😉
I did this painting for the Shakesperean show that is close to wrapping up at the Haven Gallery.
I wanted the painting to have a frame that would evoke those artists that inspired me. I contacted Masterworks Frames and asked them if they could create a custom frame for me based on this beauty that was made for John William Waterhouse’s Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May painting.
and this is what Masterworks came up with for me. They are amazing!
Here is a fast time-lapse of the painting:
I have also made a 2 hour and 20-minute video that takes you through the process of creation and includes hi-res images and reference. You can find it on Gumroad and also through my Patreon site.
Thank you for giving my post a read!
Howard
p.s. If you are interested in the original you can reach out to Erica at the Haven Gallery or email: info@havenartgallery.com
Howard . . . great painting and frame. Yikes . . . what did that thing cost you? Rhetorical, of course. Haven’t I seen frames of that flavor from higher end frame makers?
Thank you! Yeah, the frame is amazing. I don’t mind sharing price! They do incredible work and I like to send business their way when I can. They always surprise me with their costs (lower than I expect). This frame, custom made and covered in 22k gold was around $350. Kind of amazing considering the quality and what it brings to the painting. Worth every penny because it helps so much to sell the work. The tabernacle style frame has definitely seen a nice surge in popularity, but this one with its specific decorations is unique… I think 🙂 Masterworks is at the top of their game and I think, can make frames as nice as anyone out there. They frame for some big names too, like Lipking and Schmid.
Well done.
Thanks, Noah!
Stunning
Thank you, Natalie!
Everything you do, Howard, is unique and adorable. Thank you very much for all your efforts.
Pre-Ralph aesthetic is interesting. On the surface, it looks like pretty women playing dress up, and that’s all the substance offered. But when giving a Pre-Ralph special attention, I can cipher the emotional depth and narrative.
Your Ophelia looks looks like a pretty noble woman, surrounded by a dreamy pond. But looking past her to-die-for red hair and read her face, Ophelia looks so tired and worn out.
Brilliant.
Very nice piece, Howard. You are an amazing artist with the ability to evoke emotion so well. I look forward to your classes at the Fantastic Arts Conference. Thank you for such a rewarding post.