IMAGINING THE ELEMENTALS ~ Faeries, Nature Devas, Sprites & Spirits

Playing with Nature Devas – 2014 (quick painting sketch free flowing from imagination to canvas)

As long as I can remember, I felt connected with the world of faeries.  As a child, I would imagine them everywhere among the Queen Anne’s Lace, under the tangle of wild grape vines along the stone wall, along streams and between the gnarled roots of trees deep in the woods.  They would sit with me as I sat high in the branches of my favorite tree, reading a book, or just swaying with the breeze in the branches, eyes closed and the wind in my hair.

Being an adult never dulled this faerie world inside me.  They drifted to the background of my mind, but never really left, waiting patiently for me to recognize them again.  Now they are beginning to pop up in my paintings as testimony to their work in nature.  They are woven between flowers and leaves, some shy, some bold.   Like a flash of a snapshot, they take a moment to reveal themselves to me, as I attempt to capture in paint, the beauty and essence of  their work.

Four Panels

Now that they have captured my attention, I am inspired to create a series of four panels featuring four Nature Devas, each representing a beautiful flower – Bird of Paradise, Torch Ginger, Plumeria and a Fairy Iris.

Four Panels – Nature Devas

Close up – Bird of Paradise sketch

It’s interesting how inspiration can take off  once you start drawing.   I sat to sketch out my idea on a panel, tuning into my inner vision to connect with and draw out the spirit of the flower.   I drew the flower first, feeling it’s essence.  Then the Deva revealed herself to me and was added underneath, peeking out from under her flower hat.  The Bird of Paradise Deva was first.  She called to others who wanted in on the fun.   I kept sensing “me next!” as I perused my file of flower photos – and so I just kept going until one panel grew to four with four different Devas represented on them.

The challenge for me will be in the journey of painting each panel that captures both my inner vision and the spirit of the flower.  These are joyful challenges of expression.  I am so grateful to be able to pursue my passion and share the results with you.  I will be posting my journey with these Devas, and invite you along to watch them emerge into full bloom!

© Maria Doglio Art 2014