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
Carlos Teófilo
Wonderful work beautiful Alice.
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you Carlos! About time I posted something new! :)
Philosophy Lee
We want more! We want more! :)
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
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
now i see it bigger. stunning, stunning woman!
AnitaInverarity
Stunning work- amazing you are x
Alice McMahon ... replied
Aw, thanks Anita. :)
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
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
this is really wonderful work!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you for all of your kind comments Hidemi.
Tollwut
GREAT!
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
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
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 ...
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
Now that’s feminine intent ;)
Alice McMahon ... replied
Haha! I just found the group today. Perfect for my new series. :)
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
Unbelievable!!
Alice McMahon ... replied
:) That means so much coming from you Marcel. Your talent is huge! Thank you. xx
lindybird
Incredible, Alice. Your work is awe-inspiring.
Vasile Stan
Speechless!
Alice McMahon ... replied
xx
Emiley
This piece is beautiful…
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
whoops, I meant Alice, sorry, late at night and tired lol
Mark Peterson
Beautiful artwork! excellent!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks so much Mark! xx
PJ Ryan
such beautiful artwork
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you PJ and also for the watch and faves! xx
RavenSoul
This is STUNNING!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you for commenting Raven Soul!
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
sometimes, when the walls start closing in, desperate measures need to be taken. Other times, I wish I didn’t act so desperate.
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
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
know you are the angel…..and same here Alice
i’m glad i met you….
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
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
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
Impressive work!
Lyn Higgs
just beautiful…
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
The skin tones are divine…..and the butterflies just do it for me :)
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
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
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
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
very Beautiful work I like the butter fly you put in your Painting its like a Trademark Thats cool
ragman
Beautiful work, looking forward to seeing this and others in Irish Eyes
Alice McMahon ... replied
Will post some soon! Thanks again!
Jasmine Staff
This is gorgeous! Terrific job.
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks for the kind comment and fave Jasmine!
Lui Grande
FANTASTIC!!!
Terry Hinkle
Beautiful. Full of emotion.
Alice McMahon ... replied
I tend to be a bit Emo. ;) Thanks Terry!
maria paterson
stunning piece, very ephemeral
Alice McMahon ... replied
:) Thanks Mariart!
michael byerley
brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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
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
still puts butterflies in my stomach.
awdigitaldreams
Oh this is so wonderful!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thank you aw!
nancy salamouny
Such a masterful piece… so intoxicating!
Joanne Bradley
Wow, this is soooo beautiful! What a self-portrait! Your collection is awesome!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks again Joanne! xx
Ming Myaskovsky
Beautiful and creative, your art work is amazing! :)
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
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 ...
Hehehe! :)
Sebastiaan Koenen
Impressing Alice!
danita clark
Beautiful portrait , mastery of your technique Alice.
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 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!