Title: The Mercy of Temperance
The Description (For your Archive & Website)
For this painting of Temperance, I returned to the imagery of the Tarot, specifically the idea of finding balance and holding back one’s anger. The main figure is a woman wrapped in beautiful, flowing garments, pouring water from one cup to another. I’ve painted her before on glass, but here on canvas, she anchors the scene with a sense of calm. To contrast her stillness, I incorporated a die-cut illustration of an eagle landing in its nest. You can see the bones of previous meals and hungry chicks, and right there is a fox begging for its life. The story usually goes that they are enemies, but in my version, the eagle is showing restraint. It is that split second where he chooses not to attack, which is exactly what Temperance is all about.
I wanted the physical surface of the painting to feel just as intense as that moment in the nest. I used a collage technique to adhere the illustration to the canvas, removing all the background so it blends right in. Then, I went in with oil paint, applying it much thicker than I usually do. I wanted the paint to feel "mushy" and expressive, showing the marks of my brush and the work of my hand. It gives the piece a modern, textured feel that separates it from a simple illustration and makes the act of painting part of the story.
Social Media Caption (Instagram/Facebook)
Caption:
Here is the latest addition to my Tarot series: "The Mercy of Temperance." 🦅⚖️
This piece is all about that split second of self-control. I paired the traditional figure of Temperance pouring water with a scene of an eagle and a fox in a nest. Instead of the usual conflict, I wanted to show the eagle holding back his power—choosing mercy over anger.
I really pushed my technique on this one. I used a mix of collage and heavy, thick oil paint to create a rich texture. I wanted the brushwork to feel expressive and alive, adding a modern energy to this ancient symbol.
What does Temperance mean to you? Is it balance, or is it restraint? Let me know in the comments! 👇
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