“Conversing with God - Jeanne d’ Arc” by Michelle Dunaway
Oil on Linen, 20 x 12
This painting depicts Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’ Arc French) at the moment of receiving her first divine message from God’s angels and saints. She would eventually, at age of 16, lead the French army into battle in defense against the English. Under divine guidance she transcended her station as a young girl and became a formidable military leader and eventually was recognized and canonized as a saint.
Being fascinated with this true life story I had been on the search for a model to depict Joan of Arc for many years. In 2022 I was traveling through France and spent time at the studio and home of French artist Rosa Bonheur where I quite unexpectedly or by divine timing, found my perfect model . She was close to the age Joan would have been , she lived near the village where Joan grew up and was French ... I cherish capturing truly authentic reference for a painting!
Often when we are fully immersed in what we are meant to be doing, what we’ve been searching for finds us .
I was painting in Rosa Bonheur’s studio (at the gracious invitation of the owners) and this young girl came in to check on me … as she stood illuminated by the window light I knew I had found my model for Joan. The next morning in the surrounding forrest of Fontainebleau France I conducted a photo session with this kind and strong spirited young lady and I plan to do several paintings of her in the future… this is the first. After leaving the chateau to continue my road trip through France I spent the afternoon in the village and surrounding landscape where Joan of Arc grew - Domrémy. Her home has been preserved since the 1400's as she was so well known in her time. I walked through the garden outside her home near the stone church where she first received her revelations from God. I sketched and made notes gathering reference for paintings.
In this moment I painted, Joan is suspended between the world of the spiritual and simultaneously grounded in the garden and fields surrounding her home. Receiving her first revelation she is also realizing what she cannot see is more true than anything she can touch. I wanted to paint her hands clasped in prayer as strong, a foreshadowing of the strength she would carry into battle as she wielded a sword with the conviction of her faith.
Oil on Linen, 20 x 12
This painting depicts Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’ Arc French) at the moment of receiving her first divine message from God’s angels and saints. She would eventually, at age of 16, lead the French army into battle in defense against the English. Under divine guidance she transcended her station as a young girl and became a formidable military leader and eventually was recognized and canonized as a saint.
Being fascinated with this true life story I had been on the search for a model to depict Joan of Arc for many years. In 2022 I was traveling through France and spent time at the studio and home of French artist Rosa Bonheur where I quite unexpectedly or by divine timing, found my perfect model . She was close to the age Joan would have been , she lived near the village where Joan grew up and was French ... I cherish capturing truly authentic reference for a painting!
Often when we are fully immersed in what we are meant to be doing, what we’ve been searching for finds us .
I was painting in Rosa Bonheur’s studio (at the gracious invitation of the owners) and this young girl came in to check on me … as she stood illuminated by the window light I knew I had found my model for Joan. The next morning in the surrounding forrest of Fontainebleau France I conducted a photo session with this kind and strong spirited young lady and I plan to do several paintings of her in the future… this is the first. After leaving the chateau to continue my road trip through France I spent the afternoon in the village and surrounding landscape where Joan of Arc grew - Domrémy. Her home has been preserved since the 1400's as she was so well known in her time. I walked through the garden outside her home near the stone church where she first received her revelations from God. I sketched and made notes gathering reference for paintings.
In this moment I painted, Joan is suspended between the world of the spiritual and simultaneously grounded in the garden and fields surrounding her home. Receiving her first revelation she is also realizing what she cannot see is more true than anything she can touch. I wanted to paint her hands clasped in prayer as strong, a foreshadowing of the strength she would carry into battle as she wielded a sword with the conviction of her faith.
Oil on Linen, 20 x 12
This painting depicts Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’ Arc French) at the moment of receiving her first divine message from God’s angels and saints. She would eventually, at age of 16, lead the French army into battle in defense against the English. Under divine guidance she transcended her station as a young girl and became a formidable military leader and eventually was recognized and canonized as a saint.
Being fascinated with this true life story I had been on the search for a model to depict Joan of Arc for many years. In 2022 I was traveling through France and spent time at the studio and home of French artist Rosa Bonheur where I quite unexpectedly or by divine timing, found my perfect model . She was close to the age Joan would have been , she lived near the village where Joan grew up and was French ... I cherish capturing truly authentic reference for a painting!
Often when we are fully immersed in what we are meant to be doing, what we’ve been searching for finds us .
I was painting in Rosa Bonheur’s studio (at the gracious invitation of the owners) and this young girl came in to check on me … as she stood illuminated by the window light I knew I had found my model for Joan. The next morning in the surrounding forrest of Fontainebleau France I conducted a photo session with this kind and strong spirited young lady and I plan to do several paintings of her in the future… this is the first. After leaving the chateau to continue my road trip through France I spent the afternoon in the village and surrounding landscape where Joan of Arc grew - Domrémy. Her home has been preserved since the 1400's as she was so well known in her time. I walked through the garden outside her home near the stone church where she first received her revelations from God. I sketched and made notes gathering reference for paintings.
In this moment I painted, Joan is suspended between the world of the spiritual and simultaneously grounded in the garden and fields surrounding her home. Receiving her first revelation she is also realizing what she cannot see is more true than anything she can touch. I wanted to paint her hands clasped in prayer as strong, a foreshadowing of the strength she would carry into battle as she wielded a sword with the conviction of her faith.