Theme Challenge #1... "The Birth of Venus"

[Rosic]

Every other month we will run a Theme Challenge where you are invited to render in any medium one of the works included within this thread... much like the Figure Challenge from last year.

The Theme Challenge will differ from the Masters Challenge (which runs for a two month period) in the sense that this is for fun and simply gives you a chance to cover these pieces in the creative way you see fit. There will be no extensive background given on technique, history, etc like the Masters Challenge... just the opportunity to have FUN!
Now ENJOY and go for it!

This month's theme is centered around the goddess of Love... after all... Valentine's Day is this month...

Venus The Roman Goddess Of Love, also known as Aphrodite in Greek Mythology according to mythology was born of the Sea and the Sky. She was honored as the Mother of the Roman people.Venus serves as inspiration to many great works of art, including the statue of Venus De Milo in the Louvre and the great painting The Birth of Venus, by Botticelli. It is the Goddess Venus who inspires people to love one another and to celebrate the rites of Marriage. She is also associated with the rites of Spring and Fertility. Though there are many other great Goddesses associated with Love, Venus reigns as the supreme Goddess Of Love. With her exquisite features and pleasant smile she attracted many suitors, gods and mortals alike.

Sandro Botticelli (Italian) 1445-1510
The Birth of Venus


Eugène Emmanuel Amaury-Duval (French) 1808-1885
La Naissance de Venus (translated "The Birth of Venus")


William Bouguereau (French) 1825-1905
Naissance de Venus ("Birth of Venus")


BONUS!!!!
My partner Janette (jalang) has come out of retirement to help with the theme thread challenge. She has included the following photos for those who decide not to use the old masters works but something a little more modern.... here's the catch.... change these photos into your own "Birth of Venus" masterpiece.

A note from Janette:
I did a little search for some inspiring facts to get those creative juices flowing.
Here is a couple of links about Venus/Aphrodite:
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomfr..._aphrodite.htm

http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomfr...2Fvenus.ht ml

[Michael-Ann]

My hands-down favorite is Boticelli's version...Years ago I started to paint a mural of her on my bedroom wall, remodeling left her partially done and living in my closet

Maybe it is time to finish her?!

She is my desktop image here at work...see!

[Maryem]

I just may HAVE to have a go.........

Mary

[Rosic]

Michael-Ann... I remember you sharing this one with me some time back.
Remember mine?
20"x16" oil on canvas


Mary... so glad your are joining this... your style is really going to be awesome with these!

[Cochisa]

Thanks for thinking this up, Bernie!
Do we need to commit or can we just jump in?
I'm deciding between Duval and Bouguereau...oil or pastel.
I need to take my time, but I have all month.

Cochisa

[Rosic]

Originally Posted by Cochisa

Do we need to commit or can we just jump in?
Cochisa

Jump right in girl! Glad to have ya!

I think I'm going to do the Amaury-Duval.

[Cochisa]

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Rosic

I think I'm going to do the Amaury-Duval.

Will that be in oil Bernie?
I think I will too. I have the perfect canvas already stretched and primed and I haven't attempted a figure in oil yet. I may try one in pastel also.
She's beautiful...and will be perfect to copy, a good alternative to the 'no model' situation.
It's good to be getting back to painting. This last month was lost feelings without.
Cochisa

[Rosic]

Originally Posted by Cochisa

Will that be in oil Bernie?
Cochisa

Thinking about a charcoal study of the Duval and Bougy... been playing around with some crops and I think I might have something that will make a neat matching set if framed. I'm working on an oil right now that is pretty time consuming and don't want to get in to deep.

[Michael-Ann]

Originally Posted by Rosic

Remember mine?
20"x16" oil on canvas

Bernie I do remember!! I love the yellow/blue in your version!

Mary! Nice to see you ! It will be fun to "cyber-hang" with you again! Which version do you think you will do?

Hi Cochisa! You have a difficult choice to make as they are both magnificent!

[Yoda]

My favorite is Cabanel's

[Rosic]

Join us Yoda!!! It'll be fun!
Welcome to the forum!
What mediums do you work in?
Bernie

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by Rosic

Join us Yoda!!! It'll be fun!
Welcome to the forum!
What mediums do you work in?
Bernie

Thanks!
I'm rediscovering art after a long absence; middle school was the last time I did much So I've been drawing with charcoal and I'm just starting to paint with oils. I'll give the Cabanel a try with charcoal but I may focus on Venus and leave the winged cherubs for someone else

[Rosic]

Originally Posted by Yoda

I'll give the Cabanel a try with charcoal but I may focus on Venus and leave the winged cherubs for someone else

Thant's exactly what I'm doing... I'm cropping in on the Duval version. I look forward to your post.
Bernie

Glad you rekindled that old ART SPARK! I took a 15 year vacation myself some time back.

[JanetteBC]

I did a little search for some inspiring facts to get those creative juices flowing.
Here is a couple of links about Venus/Aphrodite:
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomfr..._aphrodite.htm

http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomfr...2Fvenus.ht ml

[menopausal maiden]

I think it's working! It seems Venus is a powerful muse!! I've been lurking here for about 6 months...and decided to register when this challenge spurred me on. I, too, have not done any drawing since school...about 23 years, but I do love Botticelli's version, so much that she lives in my bathroom, actually...um...that doesn't sound like a nice place to live, I know..but she fits right in. I've never used charcoal before, and I'm sure it would've been easier if i'd had a sharpener. But, I got all these nifty supplies at Xmas because I talk about WC so much and excitedly grab people to "just LOOK at that!" as they pass...suffice it to say you folks have inspired me. I like charcoal, but I have new graphite pencils, too. Who knew there were different kinds of pencils????? I'm gonna draw her again!