Untitled by Kissabug
For my Enchanted Doll Birthday Contest submission, I decided to create an original Enchanted Doll inspired painting. It is 8x10 inches on watercolor paper, painted entirely in gouache, with a watercolor background, and silver gouache accents. The painting is inspired by that lovely and mysterious photo of a heavy lidded doll with a silver collar and elaborate hair set with orchids. I wanted to paint something that reflected the way I perceive that girl, and Enchanted Dolls in general-- to capture their timelessness, their grace, their ethereal qualities, and the amount of detail that goes into their creation. I also wanted simply to make something beautiful, and hopefully interesting.
I tried my best to include all of my favorite details of Enchanted Dolls: their beautiful hands and fingernails, the depth in their eyes, the subtle blushing... I decided to paint the joints in with leather lining and all, because I have always admired those perfect joints that mark Enchanted dolls as handmade creations. I gave the girl in the painting multiple sets of hands, which I feel shows grace and movement through the passage of time. I also felt a dove was a fitting symbolic creature to include-- flighty, graceful, beautiful, pure, and perhaps otherworldly.
My favorite part to work on, however, was the elaborate hair with curls, braids, and flowers--it's almost sad to be finished, I could paint those kinds of details forever. I do hope this painting can express some of what I see and love about your beautiful dolls. Happy Birthday Marina! Thanks for all of your hard work!