Mistress of my Domain

Last Fall I participated in Marvel Trumps Hate for the first time and SquadOfCats bid and won my auction! They requested a portrait featuring Steve Rogers/Captain America that felt political. When I initially got the prompt it was just before the 2024 election and I was beginning my inspiration research when the election results came in. I ended up taking a break to recenter myself and refocus how I wanted to portray Steve. At first I was thinking about something a bit more subdued but some time went by and I thought it best to show Steve's defiance and his ability to "do this all day." I switched gears to a reference that shows him looking ahead, ready for what's to come. I intentionally chose to portray him in his stealth suit and left his shield unpainted.

Portrait drawn, I was now stuck on the background. At first I toyed with an Art Nouveau inspiration, maybe stylized flowers, or just a plain gradient with metal leaf. Then I remembered the time period Steve Rogers grew up in. If an artistic kid was growing up in the 20s and 30s, they would have seen and been inspired by the incorporation of the new modern style in everything, this style would later be named Art Deco. I ended up taking out a few books from the library to look at murals, architecture, and art from this time. Immediately I was drawn to the use of sunbursts. Usually Art Deco decorations are symmetrical, but I liked the handful of examples they were more random. I thought it extremely appropriate to have a few sun beams radiating out of the round shield. Dawn of a new day. Also the pointed rays give a structural vibe, which is a nod to NYC skyscrapers.

Next thing I noticed in artworks of this era was the use of color and gilded elements. I'm a sucker for both, so I incorporated them into my piece and I think they work quite well. Biggest inspirational references were Lobby of the Ohio Bell Building , Empire State Building lobby decoration, Fortissimo/Pianissimo, and Hildreth Meière’s “Red Room”. If you have a chance, look up more of Meière's work. She really is a forgotten icon.

Despite the initial struggle to start this project, followed by my indecision on the direction for the portrait and background, then taking another break over the summer to sew renaissance bodices, once I made up my mind on everything it really came together quite nicely! I wrapped this piece up in time to sign up for MTH 2025!

Mediums: Watercolor and synthetic silver leaf on 11.69" x 16.53"Arches rough press watercolor paper.