THEY BURNED WOMEN NOT WITCHES
This oil portrait represents how all women have lived some version of a witch trial, whether literal or metaphorical.
She reveals our humanity by pointing out actual women, not witches, were burned at the stake during the witch trials. The subject gazes directly into the viewer’s eyes, inviting confrontation and recognition of her female experience.
Pulling from my career as a textile designer, I crop pattern into the composition to add a deeper layer of symbolism. Floral pattern is not mere decoration; it echoes the domestic and feminine worlds women have inhabited for centuries all while exhibiting tremendous inner strength and power.
Oil Painting on Linen 36” x 48” inches
Painting will require 6 months to fully finish drying - ETA 11/30/2026
Layer of varnish will be added 11/30/2026
Why Linen?
Linen is strong and durable, and remains the preferred surface for many artists.
Linen is more expensive than cotton and retains its natural oils, which helps to preserve the fiber's flexibility and stops the canvas from becoming brittle. It is also regarded as having a more natural woven finish than cotton.
Deeper Meaning
This oil portrait represents how all women have lived some version of a witch trial, whether literal or metaphorical.
She reveals our humanity by pointing out actual women, not witches, were burned at the stake during the witch trials. The subject gazes directly into the viewer’s eyes, inviting confrontation and recognition of her female experience.
Pulling from my career as a textile designer, I crop pattern into the composition to add a deeper layer of symbolism. Floral pattern is not mere decoration; it echoes the domestic and feminine worlds women have inhabited for centuries all while exhibiting tremendous inner strength and power.
REFERENCE PHOTO
I chose this reference photo for my oil portrait to create an exploratory portfolio piece. She is more of a sitter than a true portrait, because I am not portraying her individual essence, but using her face to embody a broader theme.
I loved the way her hair frames her face and the areas of light and shadow in the face are lovely. Because I’m unattached to this person, I knew I could use this reference photo as a starting place to create a completely different image.
REFERENCE PHOTO // stock image
DIGITAL SKETCH
DIGITAL SKETCH IN PROCREATE
From there, I created a digital painting of the concept I wanted to render. I use Procreate to solidify my composition, arrange pattern, and play with color. Of course, the final painting always ends up looking a little different than the digital sketch, but I got a good plan in place before starting.
The final piece builds one luminous layer of oil on another. It pulls the viewer in and invites them to linger.
It is painted on a linen canvas at 36” x 48” inch size.
Oil Painting on Linen 36” x 48” inches
Painting will require 6 months to fully finish drying - ETA 11/30/2026
Layer of varnish will be added 11/30/2026
Why Linen?
Linen is strong and durable, and remains the preferred surface for many artists.
Linen is more expensive than cotton and retains its natural oils, which helps to preserve the fiber's flexibility and stops the canvas from becoming brittle. It is also regarded as having a more natural woven finish than cotton.
Deeper Meaning
This oil portrait represents how all women have lived some version of a witch trial, whether literal or metaphorical.
She reveals our humanity by pointing out actual women, not witches, were burned at the stake during the witch trials. The subject gazes directly into the viewer’s eyes, inviting confrontation and recognition of her female experience.
Pulling from my career as a textile designer, I crop pattern into the composition to add a deeper layer of symbolism. Floral pattern is not mere decoration; it echoes the domestic and feminine worlds women have inhabited for centuries all while exhibiting tremendous inner strength and power.
