The Sword In the Stone by duncanlong
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Description
I decided to try my hand at a "classical" layout - as shown here (with the "Golden Spiral" overlay to show how the placement of various elements was determined).
In keeping with the classic tradition, I employed some symbolism:
Merlin takes on a godlike stance, appearing between the castle and the storm clouds; a spider (representing evil and probably not too visible at this resolution) climbs the side of the stone toward the sword.
The sword is near the lake (where the Lady of the Lake will take it when it is returned at the end of many tellings of the story).
Lightning opposite the castle shows coming troubles, and the dove is flying away from the castle to represent peace departing the land with the coming civil war.
One of the trickier parts of this picture was keeping the sky at bay so it didn't interfere with the sword or Merlin's smoke. It's always "interesting" how important the backgrounds can become in a picture.
And, yes, any similar between artists living or dead is purely coincidental. :o)
Comments (20)
IO4
Superbly done! Great symbolism:)
DramaKing
good symbolism
MarkHirst
I'd not heard of the Golden Spiral before, I assume it is related to the magic ratios favoured by the Greeks. It has a Tarot card feel to it, a harbinger of difficult times. Merlin looks almost benign in this, not the dark, chaotic presence that some portrayals suggest.
odie
I've studied the 'Golden Spiral' also called the Golden Proportion, Golden Section and Phi, speaking of mathematical ratios. I love the layout and it really "Feels" right to view it this way. Thank you for the descriptions and symbolism to accompany them. I think Merlin looks rather wise & foxy, but it is more of a Moses look, in my opinion. Merlin's magic was good magic, so the image fits well. Your work is terrific and fascinating. Thanks, Duncan.
A_Joker_B
Great job Duncan!
theprojectionist
Brilliant
bern
Nice picture and you are looking great as Merlin !!!
Bill_Wa
Mayhaps if you made the spider bigger, and on the near, lit side instead of the dark side? Either way, very nice
auntietk
Oh heck - and I thought he looked an awful lot like you! :) Nice work!
devineydesignsllc
WOW!!!!!!this is very interesting! amazing work,Professional Creative Touch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sittingblue
a very fine piece indeed... I appreciate you sharing your technique and symbolism.
ppetersen
This must go to my favs... The Arthurian legends have always been one of my favorites and the various tellings are all in my library. Superb details, including the 'close' up on the hand, beautiful work on that!!!!
JillianElf
Really wonderful work, and I must say that Merlin is somewhat familiar....Beautiful concept, composition and art.
DRAKELOT
Fantastic image Duncan !!! ... Antonio.
voske
cool!!!wonderful and excellent work!!!
bkhook
This is awesome and very well done.. thanks for sharing...
brylaz
Awesome work!!! Love the symbolism and the hidden secrects in this picture!! Really a masterpiece! Bravo!
j-art
Duncan, first let me tell you much I appreciate your support, your comments really mean a lot to me. Thank you! Next, I’m so sorry for my lack of commenting, but I REALLY don’t have the time to comment as much as I would love to, so please forgive me. Now to the picture. This is a most impressive piece of art, the composition is so well thought out it’s a real feast for the eyes. Fabulous work my friend!
Danny_G
This is a work of Art. Great Idea and execution
DukeNukem2005
This is a very beautiful!