Calliope

Like a parent, I would feel guilty and traitorous if I were to pick a favourite. But this one came out exactly as I had it planned, and scanned cleanly - border and all. So I'm happy!

She is Calliope, Muse of Epics. Or, as I called her in my head during painting, 'The MUSE OF POMPEII!' (Inside joke, long story, though those are the streets of the ancient earthquake-and-volcano beleaguered city in the background). And I haven't forgotten her tablet. It's shattered on the paving stones. The word 'Epics' put me in a rather melodramatic mood.

I hope you enjoy it!

Many thanks to for the gorgeous reference image which I would have found an excuse to use, even if I didn't already have this picture in mind; and to for the perfect snapshot of my favourite uninhabited city of Roman antiquity to work from.

2013, mixed media (Schmincke watercolour, Pentel technica black and white gel inks, Prismacolor coloured pencils) on watercolour paper.

More Muses:



EDIT: 5/17/2013 BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT, EVER! Thank you soooo much for the Daily Deviation! I am thrilled and honoured! Massive group hugs.

Limited-edition, archival-quality prints of this painting are available on Etsy.