"Allegory of Inspiration"

Artist: Alice McMahon White
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Card: US$4.66

"Allegory of Inspiration"

From the Black Butterfly series. Charcoal on mylar drafting film with white illustration board underlay, 24×30”.

I started this 4 years ago, intending it to be an ink and watercolor wash piece. I never got up the nerve to finish it – it is quite large and I wasn’t very comfortable with watercolor. The references I used were photos of myself and my husband in our early 20’s.

Symbolism:

My husband is a musician, and the butterflies in the series are representative of the artist’s muse. All of the models for this series are artists from various disciplines (actress Marilyn Monroe is Aphrodite in one work).

In this piece, the lilies and the intertwining branches are taken from works by Leonardo Da Vinci. The Celtic elements of triple spirals and knot work are symbolic of our three children, my Irish heritage, our intertwined lives and inspirations, and are also appropriate as a reminder of our journey to Ireland this past year.

"Allegory of Inspiration" belongs to the following groups:

1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , ! * Irish Eyes * !, ! 100% !, "Exceptional Ekphrasis", All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Back In Black ( sorry~NO PHOTOGRAPHY), Dirty Filthy Art: Charcoal, Fine Arts, Live, Love, Dream: , Outsiders, PEACE, LOVE & TRANQUILITY, Pencil Drawing (2 per 24 hrs), Pleasure & Pain, Realist Traditional Art, Shameless Self-Promotion, The Best of, The Healing Journey and Who Needs Color For Beauty? - Black & White Art At Its Best Available for sale as

Greeting Cards

"Allegory of Inspiration" by Alice McMahon White

mimi yoon

you and your art are incredible, alice… incredible…
Alice McMahon ... replied

Back at you Mimi! Your work is always fresh. I was at this for 12 hours today, and was so happy to be near finished, I couldn’t resist posting. I hope tomorrow I’ll be 100% happy with it, and have a better shot. I really appreciate the encouragement for the home stretch!
mimi yoon

can’t wait to see the finished one tomorrow… you were so beautiful and i’m sure you still are… and your husband too… gorgeous couples... “you and your husband” and “music and art”... : )
Alice McMahon ... replied

Music and art are a match made in heaven, just like us. :) I think it’s ready now. Thanks so much Mimi!
Virginia McGowan

just brilliant Alice , surely not more to do? nice to share though as you almost fiinish I and a friend do that , just in case fresh eyes can spot something out of place. (())
Alice McMahon ... replied

Fresh eyes are so important – another 3 hours in it now. Minor changes, and a better photo. Thanks Ginny! I am tired. lol
Julie Marks

This is extraordinary. I am delighted to find your portfolio and look forward
to viewing your exceptional and outstanding work. This multi-dimensional piece
is fascinating and I love how you integrated many forms, textures and personal
photos to create this outstanding illustration. You choose a great medium
to enhance the imagery.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Still not thinking of proper words to thank you for your enthusiastic support of my work Julie. I have now submitted this to your group, thanks for the invite! I look forward to getting to know you and your work better through the group. xx
Lynda Robinson

This is sooooo amazingly good Alice! Hard to find words to express how wonderful I think it is! All that intricate work, and your HAIR is stunning! It all looks perfect, and I love your description above outlining the story and the meanings in it.
Alice McMahon ... replied

That means so much coming from you Lynda, your talent is formidable! I’m enjoying seeing your submissions in the pastel group. Keep them coming!
AnitaInverarity

WOW Alice, thats amazing xx
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Anita! <3>
Mark Ramstead

Fascinating piece of folk art…
Alice McMahon ... replied

Hmm, I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but you may be right! Thanks!
Valerie Simms

Alice you just get better and better!!! Always an inspiration to me :)
Alice McMahon ... replied

Aw, thanks Val. Now, get back to your easel, you’ve got a show coming up. Oh, that’s right, me too! Here’s to good ones! Cheers!
linskudd

Amazing work. I am totally blown away.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Wow, that’s such a nice thing to say! xx
JDNarts

Another stunner Alice! You continue to draw new inspirations from themes oft used, but always freshly presented. Wonderful work as always, my friend! :-)
Alice McMahon ... replied

I know you know your stuff Jim, so I’ll take the compliment and keep moving in this direction. You made my day with the fave! Hugs my hippie friend. xo
MoonSpiral

I can’t even find the words to express how much I love this one!! Such a beautiful representation of your family!!
Alice McMahon ... replied

I’m running out of words of thanks for everyone’s kind comments. Maybe I should start using other languages. Grazi! :)
Barbara Glatzeder

Very capturing indeed :-))) Really great symbols you’ve woven in there.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Barbara, I’ve always had a thing for symbols in art. I think I’m heading in a new direction experimenting with them more.
Lora Garcelon

This is an amazing piece of art – Beautiful!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Lora, I’ve posted the redone piece and a couple of details. On to the next one…
Leith O'Malley

The fan base is building Alice.. the redbubblians here obviously know quality stuff when they see it. Very skillfully done as usual and hubby has that “Hard Nose The Highway” Van period look about him in this one… excellent work!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Well, Van was my constant companion in the studio the past few weeks working on this. Perhaps his spirit came through. Na, it’s just that we were hippies who missed the generation by a few years. :)

I love my redbubblians! haha An “Inspiring” place to hang out, for sure! Thanks friend! xx
ISMAIL ALAOUI ...

this is so magic,
wow
i never used the paper film you used, its not sold in my country, i wish to know how it feels, i things it is soft , and you can reach good realism with it, cozi see it in your work that is tottaly amazing,
good luck
Alice McMahon ... replied

The mylar is very wonderful to work on, but tricky. It does have a lovely look in the finish and you can use different backing papers for different color effects because it is translucent. Perhaps you could order it online? I’ll try to get the brand name for you.

Thanks for your kind words!
WonderlandGlass

instant fav… a wondrous work and chock full of Celtic influence & images, gotta love that ;-}
I am so glad that Lindybird brought your talents to my attention and I always get a thrill to see your new efforts… so wonderfully wrought, and with so much deep love for your subjects that is palpable when viewing the images. We would love to visit Chicago and visit your works in gallery or studio sometime. Peace
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks my fellow Celt, and yes, do come up to Chicago! The Art Institute is just steps from my studio. Now THAT is art!!!
Gregory Ewanowich

Beautiful work Alice! Very talented.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Gregory!
Serena Dunaway

Wow Alice, This is Amazing! It’s magical and mesmerizing.
I Love the branches and the celtic border/knots, the symbol made by the two of you,intwined.I just love everything about it….This is my New favorite of yours.
Alice McMahon ... replied

I always appreciate your thoughtful comments, here and on MS, Serena. So glad to know you. Keep drawing! Your charcoals are as wonderful as your photos.
Lynsye Medalia

Another Fave!! :) I can’t wait to see the final piece. I think this was just waiting around for this time/series to pop up for you to finish it. There’s so much depth and delicacy in this. Just fantastic! I love all of the Celtic knot work, especially in the intertwining branches!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Hi Lynsye, somehow I knew you would like this one. :) Thank you! I’ve posted the finished piece now, plus details here.
Alice McMahon ... replied

btw, I think you are right about it just waiting for this time in my career to be finished. I’m glad I waited. Funny I looked at it several times in my flat file over the years, and put it away. This time I saw it when I was pulling out some mylar for another piece – and all other ideas fell to the wayside because I just HAD to do this NOW, plus butterflies! It was drawn on the illustration board I was planning to paint over, so that became the backing for the mylar, and I could see the under-drawing right through, no transferring necessary!
brettisagirl

this is maybe my favorite of the series! i love the self portrait… your husbands portrait is awesome too…. you rock alice! all the irish symbolism is so charming.. it’s so you!
Alice McMahon ... replied

You always make me smile Brett, thanks for that! I hope to see you tonight at FAB if you can get there. Isis wants to meet you! <3>
cdcantrell

its Fantastic
Alice McMahon ... replied

You have been so kind cd – I must get by to see your work, but I’ve got open studios tonight at my building. I’ll get back to you soon to respond and visit your profile, I promise.
ragman

Superb Alice, this is an instant fave, pleased it’s in Irish Eyes group
because it so archetypical ‘as seen by Irish Eyes
Alice McMahon ... replied

Funny how these themes keep popping up in my work. Must be my Irish Eyes! Thanks ragman. Your group is my cup of tea. Or should I say pint of stout? :-P
ragman

Nae, cup o’ tae !
Alice McMahon ... replied

;)
brettisagirl

yea! i plan on going tonight! i must meet isis :}
Alice McMahon ... replied

Cool! Best get me down there then. :)
Lynsye Medalia

OMG! That is so cool! I love how the muses play with us. This makesm e not worry so much about the unfinished pieces I have. There will be a time and a place where the perfect inspiration will help me to finish them.
ragman
Alice McMahon ... replied

Woohoo! Great to be featured in a group so close to my heart. And honored to be among the first 12 – times 2!!! :)
Sensiworld

Wow !
ragman

As seen through Irish Eyes indeed
cougarfan

Congrats On Being Inspired Art/ Member Of The Day!!!!!!!!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks cougarfan! I’m honored to be featured in such a wonderful group!
danita clark

Alice this is a brill artwork, love the details, the celtic theme, your delicate work on the features and overall composition. Really wonderful.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks so much Danita! I’m glad you found me, because now I’ve also found you! You have some beautiful pieces, I love the mandalas especially.
Natasha Harsh

This is definitely the star of your black butterfly series! Fabulous!!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks again Natasha! I finally have it framed up today – I’m quite pleased with the result. My group show hangs tomorrow – I’m very excited!
Natasha Harsh

Hope the exhibition is a huge success!! I’m sure your work will stand out as one of the best.
Pinkham

This is excellent. A hopeful and happening time full of dreams.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks again Pinkham! :)
lazydaze

WOW AMAZING work ,,...such tallent !!!
Ming Myaskovsky

There are so many compliments here, but I’m not surprised!!! It’s great work!!!!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you Ming!
joyousmoon

Incredibly gorgeous…what a beautiful artwork! Congratulations on your feature!
Alice McMahon ... replied

So honored with the feature! And by your kind comment, thanks Pamela!
jetoneS

wow really nice
Catherine Howell

Your work is so incredibly awesome!!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks for saying that Catherine. So kind!
colorblind

i’m glad to see the butterfly series continue to grow its a nice series….lovely indeed
loving wat you have put together
this is another piece which is truly amazing ….love your detail….and how you caught your husband and your essence
truly a piece to marvel….you totally rock….
Alice McMahon ... replied

:D You are awesome in your kindness colorblind. Peace!
Margaret Harris

I really love this piece Alice and what it represents to you and your family
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you so much Margaret. Now that it’s home from my exhibition, it’s hanging over the mantel. :)
Sebastiaan Koenen

Alice, your technique and style is marvelous!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Sebastiaan. I’m so impressed with your work as well!
Michael Scholl

wow! this blows me away!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Mike, I’ve been busy. Back to the easel…
adgray

Alice WOW This is exquisite!
You have the most gorgeous soft tones giving this life!
☼ BRAVO!!! ☼
The treatise you wrote about it also turns this into an Exceptional Ekphrasis so would you please consider bringing it to the EEG Thank you!
Chookas! X♥X
Alice McMahon ... replied

Wow – more and more cool groups cropping up on the bubble every day! Thanks for bringing yours to my attention – looks awesome, and most of my work would fit that definition. LOL. Thanks for your kind words adgray, and pleased to meet you!
GEORGE SANDERSON

Absolutley Stunning art work Alice !!!
the description you have given ties the whole thing together perfectly.
I think the watercolour wash would have been surpluss to requirements as the stark, monochrome really gives the picture life !!
catherine walker

so well done it’s fabulous!
F.A. Moore

Gorgeous art.