I depict animals from trickster legends around the world. I present the animals realistically, while the backgrounds are patterns inspired by each animal’s country of origin. Some paintings also contain visual clues to the trickster’s story.
First, I research the animal by finding both photographs and stories. I explore elements of the stories I want to incorporate by creating a small sketch. Then I draw on a large piece of watercolor paper. While painting, I start with the lightest colors first and layer my way to the darkest colors. For sections that I want to remain white, I cover them with masking fluid and remove the fluid once I’m done painting. For the areas that I want to highlight with gold, I apply gilding adhesive and gold leaf as a final step.
Trickster Tales comes down to one essential ingredient: HOPE. Whether it is through resilience, playfulness, or calculated strategy, all Tricksters represent the chance of the underdog to succeed. I invite the viewer to share a connection with these creatures.
Aerin Sentgeorge specializes in nature-inspired watercolor paintings and mixed media work. She taught secondary art for twelve years and now works as an Instructional Designer. Sentgeorge grew up in Pennsylvania, lived in Florida and Indiana, and now lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and two cats.
Website: http://www.aerin.design
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