22 x 19 inches, 190lb watercolor paper, watercolor and gouache.
I had 2 monkeys, (my grandchildren Sean and E), bouncing all over my studio for the last two days. I put the Odin painting up and spent my time engaging with the human kind rather than with the lofty thoughts of the Gods. Last night I was able to sit quietly and work on Mr. Wednesday's face, hands and clothes. Hopefully I'll finish Mr, Wednesday today and the background tomorrow. My grandchildren have left for vacation with their parent and the house will be quiet for the next 4 days.
Odin's Quest after the Runes
Hávamál
The Words of Odin the High One
from the Elder or Poetic Edda
(Sæmund's Edda)
translated by Olive Bray
and edited by
D. L. Ashliman
137.
I trow I hung on that windy Tree
nine whole days and nights,
stabbed with a spear, offered to Odin,
myself to mine own self given,
high on that Tree of which none hath heard
from what roots it rises to heaven.
138.
None refreshed me ever with food or drink,
I peered right down in the deep;
crying aloud I lifted the Runes
then back I fell from thence.
139.
Nine mighty songs I learned from the great
son of Bale-thorn, Bestla's sire;
I drank a measure of the wondrous Mead,
with the Soulstirrer's drops I was showered.
140.
Ere long I bare fruit, and throve full well,
I grew and waxed in wisdom;
word following word, I found me words,
deed following deed, I wrought deeds.
141.
Hidden Runes shalt thou seek and interpreted signs,
many symbols of might and power,
by the great Singer painted, by the high Powers fashioned,
graved by the Utterer of gods.
142.
For gods graved Odin, for elves graved Daïn,
Dvalin the Dallier for dwarfs,
All-wise for Jötuns, and I, of myself,
graved some for the sons of men.
143.
Dost know how to write, dost know how to read,
dost know how to paint, dost know how to prove,
dost know how to ask, dost know how to offer,
dost know how to send, dost know how to spend?
144.
Better ask for too little than offer too much,
like the gift should be the boon;
better not to send than to overspend.
........
Thus Odin graved ere the world began;
Then he rose from the deep, and came again.
Sketch and Story
I started with an eye!
Second Layer
A link to My Blog 