Recently I've been sketching my takes on some religious and mythical subjects. I was always fascinated with the various takes on the Biblical story of Judith, the widow who used her charms to infiltrate an enemy force to take out its general. Some favorite versions by prior masters include...
(above) Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and the Head of Holofernes, cir. 1615
(above) Caravaggio, Judith beheading Holofernes, 1598 - 1599
My first sketch has a decidedly heroic take on Judith, as she's standing almost Frank Frazetta-like after conquering Holofernes, but I'm aiming to tamp-down the drama as the canvas progresses. I always figure I'd rather begin work with something "exciting" and need to tone it down rather than trying to inject excitement into a dull subject.
I posed my mannequin in the studio and set to work on the drapery studies on paper and on a 24 x 18" canvas.
(above) Drapery Study for "Judith", graphite heightened with white
Watch for upcoming installments here where I'll provide an update on my progress with this painting!
Cheers,
Robert
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