Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Queen of Swords - Poe Themed Tarot Project

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Final Card
This is the second of four tarot cards I am creating for the Capolan Tarot Deck. The image of the woman is one of the 2 beautiful Ophelia's painted by J.W. Waterhouse. The other images are all either public domain images or ones that I own. It is my creative interpretation of the Queen of Swords and a short story by Edgar Allen Poe entitled "The Man of the Crowd". Description of the Queen of Swords (from www.learntarot.com) The personality of the Queen of Swords combines the positive air energy of the Swords suit with the inward focus of a Queen. You can always count on her to tell you exactly how it is. Above all else she admires honesty, and she lives by her commitment to being truthful. Lies, tricks and games are of no interest to her, but she's not easy to fool. She is experienced in the ways of the world, good and bad. The Queen of Swords can size up a situation quickly. She understands human folly, but doesn't condemn it. She knows when cow manure is being thrown around and simply finds clever ways around it. She prefers being straightforward and direct. Her observations are candid, but never hurtful. In fact, this Queen has a delightful sense of humor. She likes a good laugh and always has a witty comeback ready-to-hand. She knows that life isn't meant to be taken too seriously. The Queen of Swords is refreshing in her candor and lack of pretense. In readings, the Queen of Swords asks you to think and feel as she does. For example: Are you being completely honest? (Check this one first!) Do you see the humor in the situation? Are you getting right to the point? Have you figured out what's really going on? Are you letting yourself be fooled? This Queen can also represent a man or woman who is like her, or an atmosphere of honest, direct communication. In a reading, she tells you that her special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this Queen in whatever form she appears in your life. Credits: E. Van Dyck for his very helpful critiques!

3 comments:

Bea said...

I love his women. I've used them too, they are just beautiful. I really like this card. :)Bea

The Artist Within Us said...

I have looked carefully at both images and my comment will be directed at the main artwork.

Compositionally the image is in general well balanced except for the top left corner. The tip of the fountain pen is not only too large, it is massive when compared to the rest of the artwork.

You already have a fountain tip pen at the bottom left that is sufficient and there is no sense in duplicating the metaphor.

By removing the large fountain tip pen the image also becomes less crowded and we focus on her and not the pen.

Once the pen is removed, you will find that you composition begins to flow and holds the viewer interest. It is the only flaw that I see in my opinion.

Warmest regards
Egmont

The Artist Within Us said...

It is difficult to see a couple of moves ahead but seeing now the final version and other adjustments you have made, I find this Tarot card is now finished.

Thank you for the credit though my suggestions I feel were only minor.

Egmont