21st century Bijin

21st century Bijin, 2023.
48 x 35 cm.
Gouache, colour pencil and Akashiya sai watercolour brush pens on Fabriano 200 g paper.
Euro 400 excluding frame.

My take on the Bijin genre. Now available.

A powerful woman, an inspiring woman, a woman that is not only a feast for the eye but also for the heart. Assertive, enjoying life confidenty and not backing down or silenced.

This woman is not pictured from afar in a voyeuristic manner. She is fully aware of and meeting your gaze, answering it confidently.

I was inspired by a mesmerizing photograph of a friend and woman in my life and asked if she wanted to be my muse for this painting. I incorporated a colour gradation in the background, a reference to the bokashi technique.