“Power” in Perylene Scarlet – Watercolor 8×10 140lb Artistico Fabriano Cold Press

Power and Strength.

“Power isn’t
doing something
terrible
to someone
who is
weaker
than you…
It’s having
the strength
to do something
terrible,
and choosing
not to.”

– Franz to Reiner in The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

When I came upon this statement made by one brother to another in the book I am reading, I knew I wanted to paint something that represented Power and Strength, and this painting was born.  It is done using Daniel Smith Perylene Scarlet as I wanted an intense red.  Then the real drama (I hope) is created with a unique rich color made by Daniel Smith called Piemontite Genuine.  It is a shadowy red violet ground from a scarlet-streaked mineral from the hills of Italy that produces lovely violet-brown granulation with a carmine tone.

The color red is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, and determination as well as passion, desire, and love.

Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red.  It is a color found in many national flags.

Other colors used:  Daniel Smith Yellow Ochre, and Cerulean Blue.

I hope you feel the power and strength and intensity I wished to express in this painting, and I also hope the quote resonates with you about the true meaning of power.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi