Boudica - Ultimate Essex Girl
Boudica was the queen of the ancient Iceni tribe. She's famous for rising up against the Roman occupation of Britain. As a current resident of the East Anglia region she once ruled over, I have a soft spot for her. (Technically she’s probably a Norfolk girl, but saying as she rampaged all over Essex I can claim her in my imagination)
The reclining nude motif has been used by countless artists and I have commandeered this pose for my Boudica. She has a direct gaze challenging the viewer, and the text ‘Whatever’ is also defiant. Whatever! Or Whatevs! Is a throwaway expression used to cut an argument short and show disrespect. She's representing the Essex girl stereotype; irreverent, shameless and rebellious.
As a contrast to her rather brash attitude she's adorned in beautiful, intricate delft blue patterns.
A mix of water soluble media has been used in this painting- watercolour, ink, water-based pigment marker, highly pigmented inktense blocks/pencils, acrylic, gouache. Starting with light/transparent sketches with ink/pencil. Then subsequent washes with watercolour/ink, progressing to carefully applied layers of strongly pigmented paint in some areas. Overlaying paint results in concentrated, luminous colour.
50 x 65 cm/19.6 x 25.5 inches - mixed media painting on heavy weight, acid free Hahnemuhle paper.
If you are interested in acquiring ‘Boudica’ you can contact me for more details. I also have small Giclee prints available to buy from my website, see the link below… If you sign up to my newsletter there is 10% discount for Giclee prints.
