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©2005-2009 *puimun
:iconpuimun:

Artist's Comments

Tarot. For more information about the deck and the rest of the tarot images: [link]

Death - Closing the door to the past and opening a new one, going through transition, changing status, shedding the old and excess, inexorable forces and sweeping changes.

The Pheonix --
I had this concept in mind for the Death card for months now. Because this card is about the death of the old to make way for the new, the legend of the phoenix seemed to fit perfectly. Each day, the pheonix would sing the most beautiful song that even the sun would stop in the sky to hear. But after 1000 years, the phoenix builds up a next of sweet smelling herbs, and at sunrise would burst into flame to make way for the next newborn phoenix.
There is also a legend of the swan song -- that just before death, the swan also bursts out with the most heartrending melody.

It's a song of death and renewal....


Medium: Watercolor
Size: 8.5x14 inches

The sketch: [link]
Prints: [link]
Details: [link]

Daily Deviation

Given 2005-01-27

Powerful symbolism aside, the triumphant 13 - Death - Phoenix by *puimun is a breathtaking work of traditional art. Take a moment to bask in its volatility and kineticism, its range of colour and line, its dance from organic to ethereal. Full view is a must. (Featured by `frail)

Comments


love 7 7 joy 2 2 wow 7 7 mad 0 0 sad 0 0 fear 0 0 neutral 0 0
:iconfreshpaint:
Really beautiful work. I always enjoy your watercolors. The colors in this piece are particularly warm, its like you can feel the warmth of the sun coming from it. It feels very hopeful. I like the cool and warm color palette too. Do you plan your colors out ahead of time when you do a piece, or does it just come to you as you go?

--
"There is a war going on for your mind"
-Flobots
:iconvemp:
Hey Stephanie, congratulations on making a better piece each time. I think that, visually speaking, this is my favourite piece in the series so far. *Great* colors, excellent details (as usual). I particularly like the contrast between the flaming top part and the colder lower half with the flowers. Also, the idea of the phoenix merging with that human silhouette is very peculiar, and makes you think which of the two is the true "main actress" of the piece. A woman bursting out like a phoenix, like a symbol of enduring renewal.

Thank you for your great work, keep it up! :worship:
:icondaeira:
Fantastic painting! Your use of colours is absolutely aweinspiring. And you've depicted the phoenix in flames in a very beautiful way, not morbid or anything at all. I can practically see the phoenix singing. Amazing.

--
There is no I in team - but there is tea! And cookies..?
:iconpuimun:
I have a vague idea in mind of the kind of color scheme I would like, but I don't really do color studies or plot it out in detail. I like to give myself some surprises. Keeps the painting process interesting. :)
:iconfive-farthings:
This looks even better coloured than I thought it would!

--
Just another diamond day
:iconscortia:
My favorite piece yet of your tarot series... such a gorgeous phoenix, and so creatively handled.
:iconwindancer25:
That's so beautiful!!!! I just have to fave it!

--
Words for life:

"If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague."
:iconmizunoyume:
Absolutely awesome. Great colors and idea for it.

And I think the swansong is supposed to be the sound imitated with the swan's lungs collapse. Not too sure.

--
If I was your angel, would you break my wings to keep me from leaving you?

Are you a reptile fan? Wanna get free gift art of your character? Join the Reptile Exchange on Livejournal!
:iconpuimun:
The swansong is actually a complete myth, there's no actual truth in it, but it's a beautiful image anyway. :)
:iconishaway:
wow this is the first death card i have EVER seen with out the reper. it's lovley

--
I seek the fantasy within the reality, and the magical within the mundane.

I was, am, and will forever be The Wind Rider.

|Commission Information|

Details

January 26, 2005
68.0 KB
389×650

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