Psyche

Alice McMahon White

Psyche

“Psyche” self portrait, from the Black Butterfly series. Oct 1, 2008, charcoal/pastel on mylar with under-drawing on grey pastel paper 26×22” Mounted in a vintage frame.

The drafting film is translucent, so I have used a moonstone Canson pastel paper under the film for color. I work on the frosted side of the paper for tooth. The mylar lends a lovely soft effect, beautiful for rendering the translucence of skin. It is a tricky surface to work on, just a flick of the finger brings you back to the clean surface. I load my fingers with charcoal to get the soft gradations of tone.

The myths of the Greek goddess Psyche exemplify a woman’s search for authentic personal growth, a reminder that the integration of our experiences, however sad or frightening they may be, matures and transforms us, like the symbol of the butterfly emerging into the light from its dark cocoon.

The butterfly in the drawing is from the reference photo I captured in Ireland – the Irish peacock butterfly. Psyche is a personification of the soul and was represented in ancient Greek mythology as a butterfly.

The lily is my business logo symbol – for peace and annunciation. It also was inspired in this scale by Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings and their feminine connotations.

Psyche belongs to the following groups:

1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , * Painted Ladies *, ! * Irish Eyes * !, ! 100% !, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Contemporary Professional Painters and Sculptors, Dirty Filthy Art: Charcoal, Fine Arts, Friends of RedBubble, Glamour, Greek and Roman Mythology, Live, Love, Dream: , Masterpiece: Art, Mature Woman, Outsiders, Realist Traditional Art, Self as Other, The Best of, THE DIVINE FEMININE, Who Needs Color For Beauty? - Black & White Art At Its Best and Woman Appreciation
Psyche by Alice McMahon White
  • Carlos Teófilo

    Carlos Teófilo

    Wonderful work beautiful Alice.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you Carlos! About time I posted something new! :)

  • Philosophy Lee

    Philosophy Lee

    We want more! We want more! :)

  • Dana DiPasquale

    Dana DiPasquale

    wow, this is super. Love the grey tones, the realism, and the fact that it is seen through a mirror! brilliant

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    I love to use old frames, and self-portraits are perfect in mirror frames. Thanks for the great comment Dana! Much appreciated.

  • Lee Wilde
  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Wow, that was quick.Thanks so much Lee!

  • Martie Venter

    Martie Venter

    WOW – this is absolutely amazing, exquisite beauty and powerful symbolism! Encore! Encore!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks dear Martie. There are sure to be more in the series, but it may be a while since I’m working on a commission and some Irish paintings next. Time to stew on it a bit. :)

  • stephanie clifton

    stephanie clifton

    now i see it bigger. stunning, stunning woman!

  • AnitaInverarity

    AnitaInverarity

    Stunning work- amazing you are x

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Aw, thanks Anita. :)

  • mhkantor

    mhkantor

    phenomenal alice. an absolute treat to view. the 3d depth and volume especially of the hands, like you could reach out and touch them. wow!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Hey thanks! I actually did a bit of changing sinceI posted this, you can see the redone version on my website www.amwhitestudio.com

    Thanks for the fav as well! :)

  • modernlifeform

    modernlifeform

    Nice work.

    As you know I’m a big fan of limited colours, so I’m drawn to it.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    A fav from Dave – must be a winner – xx!!

  • Hidemi Tada

    Hidemi Tada

    this is really wonderful work!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you for all of your kind comments Hidemi.

  • Tollwut

    Tollwut

    GREAT!

  • modernlifeform

    modernlifeform

    Well yeah it is a winner if you ask me.
    I think its interesting how we’re both using the lines of furnature as a key part lately, obviously without seeing one other’s stuff till after :)

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Props are good. :) I’ve been having fun in my studio with just me, the props, and my camera on a tripod. Of course the real work begins once I get a decent shot.

  • Firedrake

    Firedrake

    Beautiful!! I love the detail in the hands.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you Firedrake. I like to use hands in portraiture. They are so expressive. xx

  • Philip Rogan

    Philip Rogan

    Hey Philip! I’ve missed you and seeing your fantastic photos. I just returned from Ireland – took so many great photos for references. Funny but I “met” yet another butterfly on the holy reek of Mayo. :) So, wrote another poem, posted here with the photo capture of the Peacock butterfly. Magic!

    Don’t be a stranger!

    Okay I see here your shot of the butterfly and I remember these as a kid thy used to be quite common even in the suburbs of Dublin. Now that I see it here I think it strange that I have not seen one for quite sometime. Your images from this series are really beautiful and the touch & presence of a butterfly in each of course makes them even more unique. Great work again Alice!

  • Alice McMahon White

    Alice McMahon ...

    Wow Philip, that’s interesting to know. It was quite chilly here yesterday morning, but I saw a monarch, which is common in Chicago. By evening it was snowing, so it most likely was the last of the season. My father in law just passed away last week, and one of his friends wrote to him just before he died saying she would name the first monarch of 2009 for him. I took that to mean they had been noticing butterflies often this past summer as well. One traditional meaning for seeing many butterflies is also impending death of a loved one. Strange, right?

    I guess butterflies can be trite and overdone in art, but something important seems to be in that symbol for me just now, so I’m trying to use it without becoming overly sentimental. I may fail, but I will try.

    Thanks again Patrick. You are always so kind! xx ~ Alice

  • tkrosevear

    tkrosevear

    Now that’s feminine intent ;)

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Haha! I just found the group today. Perfect for my new series. :)

  • Cherie Dirksen

    Cherie Dirksen

    That is really gorgeous, brilliant work!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you Cherie! I’m anxious to continue the series, but I’ve got commissions waiting. :P

  • marcelfineart

    marcelfineart

    Unbelievable!!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    :) That means so much coming from you Marcel. Your talent is huge! Thank you. xx

  • lindybird

    lindybird

    Incredible, Alice. Your work is awe-inspiring.

  • Vasile Stan

    Vasile Stan

    Speechless!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    xx

  • Emiley

    Emiley

    This piece is beautiful…

  • Tahnja

    Tahnja

    you are simply the most divine artist, this is so moving, delicate, tender and everything a special portrait from the hands of such a master should be. Wow Alison, I would love to be this good someday

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    You are always so kind Tahnja! Well, if I am “this good” it’s only recently evolved to that point. It’s one of my newest works, and yes, there has been a progression. So the secret is simply to keep on creating! And no worries – it’s a pretty common mistake with my name. :) xx

  • Tahnja

    Tahnja

    whoops, I meant Alice, sorry, late at night and tired lol

  • Mark Peterson

    Mark Peterson

    Beautiful artwork! excellent!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks so much Mark! xx

  • PJ Ryan

    PJ Ryan

    such beautiful artwork

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you PJ and also for the watch and faves! xx

  • RavenSoul

    RavenSoul

    This is STUNNING!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you for commenting Raven Soul!

  • mscholl21

    mscholl21

    love everything about this

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks dear michael. I got a laugh looking at the comments on your recent posting. Artist as stand-up comedian. Haha! You have lots of fans here already. :)

  • mscholl21

    mscholl21

    sometimes, when the walls start closing in, desperate measures need to be taken. Other times, I wish I didn’t act so desperate.

  • Larasolnishko

    Larasolnishko

    sensual, sensitive, sexsy, silky, special, sunny, settle, smart…you have that all!...smile

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    super, sensational, so kind you are Lara! Thanks with hugs!

  • colorblind

    colorblind

    i thought this was a picture …..you always seem to play with my eyes
    you are so awesome with your art i love your work
    you and a few others motivate me to do more artwork
    i just uploaded a new piece today …...
    glad you posted this up you are an inspiritation to my artwork
    continue to produce nice works for my eyes to devour

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Comments like yours are what keeps me going. Thanks for your great kindness colorblind. You are an angel :)

  • colorblind

    colorblind

    know you are the angel…..and same here Alice
    i’m glad i met you….

  • ANNETTE HAGGER

    ANNETTE HAGGER

    I so love your butterfly series Alice, and look forward to seeing more of your owrk..anna : )

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks again Anna. I’m in the studio right now working on the next in the series. Always takes far longer than I anticipate. I’m heading to London Friday night, so I think it won’t be finished until early February. :/

  • ANNETTE HAGGER

    ANNETTE HAGGER

    You will be able to go to galleries in london while your here, or are you coming here for work ? anna : )

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    My work “Chains” is hanging in the Saatchi Gallery! I posted a journal or two about it. The work has sold to a man who lives very near the gallery. So excited! Is Norfolk far from London?

    Art is my work, not much $$ in it, but what I do best.

  • ANNETTE HAGGER

    ANNETTE HAGGER

    Norfolk about and hour and half drive from london…well done on the sale alice thats fantasic !!!!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Made my whole year! :D Thanks Anna – nice chatting. Back to work with me – starting to lose the light. xx

  • Mugsy

    Mugsy

    Impressive work!

  • Lyn Higgs

    Lyn Higgs

    just beautiful…

  • Tara Lemana

    Tara Lemana

    Another stunner, I’m just loving your pastel work Alice, I can’t believe the photorealistic nature of your portraits, just beautiful!!!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks again Tara.

  • Tracey Mac

    Tracey Mac

    The skin tones are divine…..and the butterflies just do it for me :)

  • Bee Williamson

    Bee Williamson

    I love this work, it’s great! very inspiring, makes me motivated to draw again..

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks Bee, and if I’ve motivated you, way cool! xx

  • Virginia McGowan

    Virginia McGowan

    exquisite art Alice. love your unique colouring

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks Ginny. I’m sorry to say I’ve been so in love with charcoal this past year, I’ve all but abandoned pastel! I’m sure to be inspired by the new group – and I always enjoy a little green Irish pastel landscape from time to time ;)

    xx

  • Ove Bohnhorst

    Ove Bohnhorst

    I love this… Amazing beauty! fav
    ...ove

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Cool, thanks Ove. You’re doing some great work yourself – very sensuous photos. xx

  • Julie Marks

    Julie Marks

    Alice,
    Your are an exceptionally talented artist. I love your reference to mythology
    and the many levels to explore in your multi-faceted art. I am the host of the
    healing journey on RB and several of your pieces including this one are a
    great fit for our group. I just posted a piece, The Dark Goddess, a exploration
    of the dark side, or the shadow in Jung’s terminology. I hope you check out
    the group, I believe you would make a wonderful contribution to our
    group of very talented artists.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Can’t thank you enough for your kind kind words Julie! I’ve given my all today (yesterday?) though, it’s 1:30 am, so I’ll try to thank you some more when I wake up! :D hugs

  • cdcantrell

    cdcantrell

    very Beautiful work I like the butter fly you put in your Painting its like a Trademark Thats cool

  • ragman

    ragman

    Beautiful work, looking forward to seeing this and others in Irish Eyes

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Will post some soon! Thanks again!

  • Jasmine Staff

    Jasmine Staff

    This is gorgeous! Terrific job.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks for the kind comment and fave Jasmine!

  • Lui Grande

    Lui Grande

    FANTASTIC!!!

  • Terry Hinkle

    Terry Hinkle

    Beautiful. Full of emotion.

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    I tend to be a bit Emo. ;) Thanks Terry!

  • maria paterson

    maria paterson

    stunning piece, very ephemeral

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    :) Thanks Mariart!

  • michael byerley

    michael byerley

    brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Damien Venditti

    Damien Venditti

    this black butterfly series is superb!!!!
    everything is so well done .. that soft background is brilliant

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks again Damien! The mylar is great for unusual effects.

  • Donna L. Faber

    Donna L. Faber

    A lovely piece, inspired, deep and though provoking … D~

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks so much for the kind comment Donna!

  • MoonSpiral
  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Wow!!! Honored to be featured in your wonderful new group MoonSpiral! I must get busy on more submissions…

  • Michael Scholl

    Michael Scholl

    still puts butterflies in my stomach.

  • awdigitaldreams

    awdigitaldreams

    Oh this is so wonderful!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thank you aw!

  • nancy salamouny

    nancy salamouny

    Such a masterful piece… so intoxicating!

  • Joanne  Bradley

    Joanne Bradley

    Wow, this is soooo beautiful! What a self-portrait! Your collection is awesome!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks again Joanne! xx

  • Ming  Myaskovsky

    Ming Myaskovsky

    Beautiful and creative, your art work is amazing! :)

  • Leslie Gustafson

    Leslie Gustafson

    Your work continues to inspire me! This series on mylar is stunning!!

  • Alice McMahon ... replied

    Thanks Leslie – your work is also an inspiration! xx

  • Vicki Ferrari

    Vicki Ferrari

    W O W
    S T U N N I N G
    E M B R A C I N G T H E F E M I N I N E

  • Alice McMahon White

    Alice McMahon ...

    Hehehe! :)

  • Sebastiaan Koenen

    Sebastiaan Koenen

    Impressing Alice!

  • danita clark

    danita clark

    Beautiful portrait , mastery of your technique Alice.

  • Jennifer Greenfield

    Jennifer Green...

    hey Alice, just a little something i thought i’d pass along to you
    this is the front page of Massive Attacks website. the reason i send this to you is if you scroll down a bit they have a media player with one of their new songs… Psyche
    it’s beautiful and i think captures a similar dreaminess that your black butterfly series has

    http://massiveattack.com/

    hope you enjoy it as i have enjoyed your work !
    xJ

  • Alice McMahon ... replied 20 days ago

    Just noticed I didn’t post this as an Re to you :/ sorry, here’s what I wrote 11 days ago. :)

    Sounds awesome Jennifer! Thanks for the link & the kind words. Hope you’re well & creating. I’ve been so caught up in the show, had the closing yesterday and finally took the show down today. Now where am I going to put all these drawings?! Hope to be spending more time here soon. xx

  • Paul Horton

    Paul Horton 20 days ago

    This works so very well, beautifully done, you have such a wonderful talent Alice, I love to work with pastel and charcoal and you have mastered them, love it ;0) cheers, Paul

  • Alice McMahon ... replied 20 days ago

    Thanks you so very much Paul, for your kind comment and watch!

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