Cuzco School of Peru

Coronation of the Virgin

Some of the most beautiful art comes from Peru. Lots of gold and so much detail. Holiness and whimsy combine to express the grace of the Holy Virgin.

Virgin of Bethlehem: Cuzco School, Peru

The detail is incredible in this jewel encrusted, ancient painting. It like the Church itself. At two thousand  so is opulent with ages of gifts and patina, creaky as an old ship with faded silk sails, full of golden light of flames and sanctuary lamps---everything crusted over with details of angels and flowers. These old paintings inspire deep reverence, memories of miracles and weddings and funerals and sacraments. Personally I love everything old and beautiful that has survived despite wars and vandalism. In London, some very old churches were used as hospitals and bomb shelters and even blacksmith shops.

Virgen de Ocotlán, Mexico

The combination of Spanish and Indigenous aesthetics is very imaginative and effective. And the flowers and details again are incredible. I don't know how they did it, to be honest. My Golden Madonna was by a cathedral I saw in Ecuador---another center for these magical artworks.

Our Lady of May

Oil on 18x32 canvas

This piece was finished in May after a winter of frustrations-----that were frankly weird. I think something didn't want me to paint or something...Once I got back to it, the flow kicked in and it was finished in May. I was also working on an unusual composition of Saint Lucy and painted it out then after Our Lady of May was finished in May, I looked at a photo I took of St. Lucy and regretted painting it out because it was pretty good---just in that ugly middle stage. Oh, the drama of being an artist!

 A Few More of These Beauties:

Virgin Surrounded by Saints and Angels

Virgin of the Rosary

I hope you enjoyed these wonderful paintings. 

I am working on a few pieces, including some in my old narrative style. I've been experimenting a bit these days as I complete the portfolio of saints and Madonnas and Jesus I've been working on. I will keep you posted!

Enjoy the summer!