Seababy Storms the Castle

"Seababy Storms the Castle" - acrylic on illustration board, 16" x 12".  Available here and at Artfinder.

​Another piece inspired by Ireland and by Bridget's darling brave girl.  In this painting, under the dark shadow of the Ballybunion Castle, the determined wee one appears to storm the castle - once again boldly going forward fueled by curiosity and determination.  She is my hero!

I have been on this very beach, standing in the shadow of the castle.  It is a behemoth sentinel on the cliff's edge - you can almost hear the horses, wagons and the clinking or armor.  Were my childhood to have held such a  tower, my imagination would surely have run wild with reenactments and sword-brandishing in the sand.

The illustration board absorbs paint and leaves a more muted result.  Arm restrictions left me with paper towels and fingers as tools for the most part, which made it even more loose than the last piece, and quite a bit softer.

This painting and the photo that inspired it have me contemplating the symbolism of dark towers and castles - fortresses which can keep out or keep in.  I am guilty of building "walls" around myself at times, and also of not erecting any walls at all when really I should have for my own protection.  And then there is the last name my husband gifted me...Walls.  Hmmmm.

Walls keep us safe and dry, sheltered and warm (or cool here in the land of incessant sun).  But they also keep out fresh air and sunshine, adventure, opportunity and friendship.  As long as we have a bounty of windows and doors in our metaphorical walls, we can have the best of both worlds.  Keep this in mind if your fortress is formidable!  Not everyone is a fearless Seababy who will storm your castle to be sure you let love in.

The phrase, "storming the castle" isn't very commonly used anymore, but there is one quirky take on it the movie "The Princess Bride."  Take a look, then storm the castle of your day!

Pre-orders for ​The Storyteller's Apprentice have begun!  Reserve your copies at www.thestorytellersapprentice.com/shop/  Orders are anticipated to ship September 10, 2018.  Quantities are limited!