"REFUGE" Painting + Process Shots

Hi peeps, 

Those of you who watched my latest Youtube video will have seen this piece already, but I wanted to create a proper post for it that would include process photos. 

So here's "REFUGE" : 

I painted this piece on the cover of my sketchbook, and it turned out better than I was expecting!
I usually try to relax and have fun when working on my sketchbooks, so I lower my expectations and try to work without overthinking. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, and I accept it as part of the process. 

This one, in my opinion, was an instance of it working out. :) 

I like this piece so much in fact, that it will be the print for March, instead of Slumber. :) 

It was painted entirely in gouache, which felt wonderful, as I hadn't used gouache for a full painting in a little while.
The composition is fairly simple, but I had some fun with the lighting and texture. 

How does this piece come across to you?

To me, it feels comforting, quiet and peaceful. I think I was trying to connect with stillness and silence, and attempted to represent a meditative state of mind. This painting flowed out of me without me having to think about it.
In fact, the idea came to me so naturally and effortlessly that part of me was worried I may have seen it somewhere else and forgotten, only to have the idea come up again in my head at a random moment, making me think I came up with it. But, even if that were the case, I feel like I made it my own and created something that feels like me. I have no idea if a similar piece exists somewhere else, that unconsciously inspired this one, but I love this painting and needed to create it when I did.

I hope you will enjoy it too, and that it can help calm your mind and bring you stillness and peace. 

Here are some process photos below.
Apologies for the inconsistent lighting, I'm getting better at understanding how to take those, but it's learning curve, haha.
I will be using this piece for a Process PDF or Video at some point, and I will put together a timelapse for your eyes only also. 

I hope you are all as well as can be,
Take care lovely people. <3