When the covid 2019 quarantine began, I had more time to paint this picture. In the beginning, I studied the life history of these women and their activities. Made preparatory sketches. I painted the picture from February to July 2020.
The painting depicts 3 images of women who have lived for a long time: Tatiana, Paraskeva and Motrena. On the Russian icon they accepted faith in Jesus Christ full of humility and virtue. These martyrs are famous for their exploits, they experienced torture and suffering, obeying the Divine will and believing in Divine righteousness. For the strength of character and dedication to faith and deeds, they were elevated to the rank of Saints.
Above the head of each woman, their names are written in the Old Church Slavonic language in gold letters. Motrena is written on the right, the last one is blind from birth and she was a healer in Russia. Until now, people come to her grave and receive healing.
In the upper part of the picture, in the center, Christ the Almighty is depicted, he is called to free the human family from passions, mental pain, and suffering, teach obedience and humility. And two angels of his assistant with wings soar in the clouds.
These names of holy women are especially revered among believers Catholics and Orthodox.
I spent a lot of energy creating the picture because I used the technique of the old masters of glazing and a lot of layering. This took longer for the previous coat of paint to dry. I made the background light blue with a stretch in tone and larger strokes. Red clothing in different shades. Important religious attributes are covered with gold.
While working on this picture, it sometimes seemed to me that the faces of the holy women came to life. And I hope that people who will look at them will feel the energy of kindness and love, which is so lacking in our fast-paced time.
This is my second painting with these saints. I painted the first picture upon request
priests for the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, Odesa, somewhere in 2007. Photos of the first version of the painting can be seen in my collection. I wrote it for several months. Then I gave it to the church.
This painting is made with oil paints. Covered with varnish, gold sheets. The nimbus of Jesus is covered with 23.75-carat gold leaf sheets.
The canvas is stretched over a sturdy wooden salon stretcher with a sight from the factory Fredrix Artist. 3D effect on the sides of the painting.
Size 48 x 36 x 1.5 inches.
The painting is covered with a protective varnish.
At the bottom right is the author's signature under my pseudonym Shemshur.
Registered with the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO), currently awaiting receipt.
Registration Number VAu1-426-420
A copy of the certificate is available.
You can see the process of creation on my channel https://youtu.be/gpnrOORi4es
