I used the Halgesta petroglyphs as a reference for the embroidery, and the Osebergskipet motif for the edge of the fabric.
I discovered the Halgesta petroglyphs with a certain emotion. So I tried to integrate them into a Scandinavian mythologies picture.
I hope you like it.
Have a nice day everyone.
Halgesta petroglyphs
Osebergskipet carving details.
We have a critique-wanted tag you can add to your topics in artwork category, if you want.
Breathtaking artwork by the way.
Amazing. The horses coat has just the right amount of shine.
Stunning!
Michelist
This is amazing. The level of detail and anatomical knowledge is insane. I’m especially enamored with how you rendered so many different textures in this piece–from the soft skin, to the flowing cloth, to the horse’s sheen coat, to the metallic headpiece. I also appreciate the design choices you made in implementing historical motifs–as someone who had a brief love affair with cave paintings and prehistoric art, I would have never thought to fold those sort of visuals into a dramatic figurative work like this.
The composition is really well constructed, how it gradually expands outward from top to bottom. I really liked the graphic halo and lines to help guide the perspective, also acts wonderfully as a framing device and definitely brings to mind scenes of mythical beings coming down from the heavens. Certainly fits the piece.
Outside of technical critiques (of which I would be way out of my league to try and provide to someone of your craftsmanship), something that struck me at first glance is a lack of really strong contrasts. This piece is so powerful I feel like it could be better served with a finishing touch of super light brights, considering how dark the horse is and how much the peripheral of the composition is made in a gradient of midtones… Maybe just a subtle through-line of punchy highlights from the fold of the banner to the figure’s left to the horse’s flank. I can see a strong glint in the spearhead; perhaps it could be repeated elsewhere. I think this might make a path of light or visual “pillar” that would guide the viewer’s eye through the center of the piece toward the figure’s face.
@xavierhm
Thank you very much for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the use of petroglyphs.
I’m always a little overwhelmed by these representations, which predate everything that shapes our contemporary perspective.
I share some of your regrets about the composition.
I made several changes and renounced ideas before arriving at this one. I think you’re right, but I haven’t been able to do better.
@Takiro
Thank you for your comment. and for the compliment.
@dragonscales
This is a bit of a relief because I’ve spent some time poring over horse photographs.
Thank you for your comment.
@Michelist
Thank you Michelist. I am glad you like it.
It makes me so happy to have seen your artwork this morning.
@sooz Thank you very much, it means a lot to me.
@clooms This is brilliant! From the dramatic folds of fabric contrasting to the Valkyrie’s smooth skin, to the horse’s black fur, the image is truly beautiful. Congrats mate!
@p4to
Thank you so much for this comment and the compliment that came with it.
I painted the fabric with this bundle. (It’s nothing compared to the great Memileo one, but I did it to fill in what I was missing in his bundle. I come from a traditional painting background, like you perhaps.)
Since you seem to enjoy traditional brushes, give it a try if you like.
Outstanding work. Amazing in all regards.
@EyeOdin Thanks a lot.
It’s a real shame this can’t be featured because of the nudity. 
Oh well. Here - you can have a Myth’s award for awesomeness at least…
Thank’s a lot @Mythmaker . (It’s a bit frustrating for none sexual content)
I will display it on the ledge of the fireplace! Thank you again!
@clooms These are so cool! Thanks for sharing them! 
