The Last Supper Painting - Process Revealed

“The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of.”

    - Leonardo da Vinci 

The Last Supper 7ft x 4 ft Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas

My body of work focuses largely on traditional images found through out ancient cultures and Christianity.  After studying the art of iconography I found a style of painting that resonated with me.  It inspired my Modern Icon series and the Last Supper was created after the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.  Since I was using modern figures to portray Christ and the disciples I wanted to leave elements of the last supper that would be easily identifiable.  See process images below:

The first step to my process is a base layer on the figures.  I prefer to start with the faces or figures in contrast to most artist who start with the background. I do this because I like to get the most intricate and difficult layers done first.  Once I have that step finished the rest of the painting seems to come together quickly and painlessly.    

Next I applied the background layer of gold leaf.

After the background was covered I revisited the figures and finished the base layer on hands, arms, and clothing.

I first apply my lightest lights and my darkest darks.  Then I work the mid tones in which stort of connect the puzzle pieces.

Once all of the figures are painted I start with the staining process where I add colors and remove them with rags.

Next I move into the tedious border designs. In most cases I create my own stencils out of a heavy weight drawing paper. 

After the borders have dried I go back and add a stain coat again.

Lastly, I go back to the figures and give them all another coat on top of the base layer. This is where the photo realistic quality comes in.  The way the layers work together allow me to blend colors and skin tones smoothly making the overall image look like a photograph.

Want to see more of my paintings?  Please visit my website www.jessiedecorsey.com

Jessie DeCorsey

Fine Arts & Photography

Easter - The Passion of Christ

The spirit of Easter is all about Hope, love, and joyful living.
~ Anonymous.

The Passion 3ft x 4ft Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas

This painting is my modern interpretation of the Passion of Christ.   I juxtaposed modern figures in traditional garments with symbols and designs and highlighted some of the major moments from the Passion.  The border is gold leaf with painted nail heads that appear to be pounded into the frame.  The lily is present through out the background design because they are often associated with Easter and are a common symbol in Christianity.  See details below:

Pieta -  I choose to focus on the Virgin Mary as well as Mary Magdelene lamenting over Christ.  

I didn't paint Christ with any stigmata because I wanted the figures to speak for themselves.  I felt the blood and wounds would compete too much and destract from the message I was trying to convey. 

This is the moment in which Mary discovers the empty tomb and Christ comes to her. (Note a reference to the creation of man behind her.)

Some scences from the Passion I was heavily inspired by famous images.  However, The moment in which Christ carries the cross I wanted to investigate a different pain. The people who were observing must have had an overwhelming response to a physical pain they were seeing at their feet.  What was happening emotionally to the people who bared witness?   Once again I focused on the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene.  We don't actually see Christ or the cross but we see the Virgin reacting with a reserved pain. I tried to portray a look of great emotional grief but also strength. 

The moment where Jesus is betrayed by Judas with the kiss leading to the arrest has been depicted by artist time and time again. Instead of a literal interpretation of "the kiss" I wanted to see what Christ's face said in that moment. Was it forgiving?  Was it Fearful?  Was it all knowing?  I wanted him to be looking out asking this question to me.  What is the answer? I still haven't decided. What do you see?

Christ on the cross.  The Cruxifiction is the most recognizable moment in Christianity and the Passion.  Instead of the traditional portrayal of Christ on the cross I have him suspended in the air.  I wanted to remove the cross because of it's heavy association with ancient forms of punishment and torture.  I wanted to remove Christ from that moment and investigate him and try to understand him as simply as I could. Does this help us connect more with the history of Christ if we can remove time between then and now? Can we see ourselves and how we relate to the people in these stories more?

To see more of my art please visit my website www.jessiedecorsey.com

Jessie DeCorsey

Fine Arts & Photography

Victorian Nursery Theme - Fit For a Princess

“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!” - J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan: Fairy Tales

I hand painted the border and floral design for a Victorian themed Nursery with inspiration from Disney's Peter Pan.

I painted several images for the large white frame only to change it to fabric!  A great soft touch for the nursery.

I purchased these great lights with large gemstones at Ikea.  It gives off the most enchanting glow when plugged in.

I choose another floral pattern to paint in this beautiful antique frame which brought together the design on the adjacent wall.

A teddy bear that my Great Grandma who recently turned 95 made for me when I was a baby. It's a perfect addition to the theme.

Another sweet touch which goes with the trim and crib set perfectly.

I found this incredible dresser with 4 good sized bins at the Picket Fence Sale in Lindstrom, MN. 

I found this kitchen pots and pan holder at the Picket Fence sale in Lindstrom, MN also.  It makes the perfect crib valance.   

The ribbon Chandelier! I love this! I spent a long time trying to find the right materials for a shabby chic chandelier and it went through a few transformations but I am happy with this.  I used an antique lamp shade which I found at an antique store as the base. I strung a variety of ribbon and lace on it given to me by my great- grandmother and well as my husbands great-grandmother which makes it a great family heritage piece. I added some strings of gemstones to give it a little glamour and shine. 

Victorian Nursery Theme

For this nursery I was inspired by the Disney movie Peter Pan.  I loved Wendy Darling's bedroom with the purple striped walls and heavily drapped fabric around her bed. And perhaps a childhood fantasy of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell coming through my window and taking me to neverland!  After several painting efforts and a few different scenes from the movie, I decided to try and recreate my favorite part of the young Darling's room and leave out the Disney designs. The Victorian theme with lot's of white fabrics, stripes, white borders, and a timeless look with traditional floral designs led me to the perfect nursery.   

     Jessie DeCorsey

Fine Arts & Photography

www.jessiedecorsey.com

Dr. Seuss Nursery Room

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! -Dr. Seuss

The Dr. Seuss quilt I made is the perfect addition to the nursery.

I had this dresser but wanted to make it fit with the Dr. Seuss nursery theme. The handles were a perfect match and didn't need to be replaced. I hand painting the fish with acrylic paint. 

A few view of the Nursery with Dr. Seuss Murals.

The final touch... A collection of Dr. Seuss Toys from Kohls.

Dr. Seuss Nursery Theme

I wanted to share some images from our son's Dr Seuss nursery.  When trying to figure out a theme there was no question for us that Dr. Seuss was going to be perfect. I love the playful colors and images and I knew the books would soon be a household favorite.  Have you tried to read them recently? They are tongue twisters to say the least.  My husband and I painted the murals over the course of a few days and the rest of the decor we gathered over a few months.

This has been the perfect theme for our son and with the release of the movie, "The Lorax," he enjoys his room even more.

     Jessie DeCorsey
Fine Arts & Photography
www.jessiedecorsey.com