This is the original painting in the terrarium series, measuring 32” x 38”.
My muse, Olivia.
My original concept for this painting had the terrarium placed on a table, surrounded by hungry lizards.
Once I dropped the laboratory idea, it seemed obvious that the vessel should reside outside in a unpleasant environment, contrasted to the utopia inside.
Experimenting with the clouds.
I scrapped the realistic clouds and started layering waves similar to the ones I painted in Suspension of D in 2006.
With the background somewhat realized, I could go back to developing the image inside the terrarium by building the plantlife around the figure.
I wanted the environment to be really lush and colorful, while incorporating different shapes and textures.
Hanging out with Swanky in the studio. You can see my bulletin board with reference photos in the background.
My obsession with rocks can be quite a time consuming pain in the butt.
I had posted the painting as finished, but after exhibiting it a few times, I decided it really wasn’t finished.
Detail of face.
Detail of lower area.
Detail of sky.
The finished piece.