NOX, The next addition….

April 8 2010

A shadowy figure, Nox stood at or near the beginning of creation, and was the mother of Hypnos (sleep) and Thánatos (death). Her name (Nyx in greek) is the root for the word Nocturnal. Her appearances in mythology are sparse, but reveal her as a figure of exceptional power and beauty.

There will be a few references to her Roman and Greek origins within her costume, for example the fox pelt which covers her head. Originally worn by Roman standard bearers, the pelts would have been made from lion, bear or wolf. It’s the foxes liminal quality and connection with night that makes it more relevant to me! Lots of artistic licence!!!

Anyway, Nox is a new addition to my myths and fairytale-inspired characters and will probably maintain a similar composition to Salome.

First sketch of Nox

Basic background wash added

Early rough pen, pencil and ink sketch of 'Nox'.

Long shot of thew whole composition with final pencil line

....but I wasn't happy with the fox, so I made it more 'Foxy"

2nd ink rough to work out light/ shade prior to starting final

Final line, drawn in pencil on stretched watercolour paper

Masking fluid added to protect brighter parts from ink wash

Background washes added

Final ink details added to Nox

Final rough version

final version, I decided to darken the back a little bit to bring Nox forward in the composition