Antiquity of the Soul – Steven Paul Carlson
Antiquity of the Soul – Pastel 16” x 20”
One can see and feel the history etched into this man’s face and antiquity its-self reflecting in his eyes. I had great fun painting the bright colored head cloth with its intricate patterns, wrinkles and folds juxtaposed with his face and the similar intricate patterns. This is one of my all time favorite portraits.
I met an individual at an art show who was from this part of the world. He told me that the head wrap they wear, the colors and patterns, tells you what region the person is from. Fascinating!
Faerie III, Woodland Opus – Steven Paul Carlson
The Harp Faerie, as she has been affectionately nicknamed, and like its pair Faerie I, feature the Matrifaerie, a mature, dignified and sophisticated faerie captured here while creating upon the woodland harp. The woodland harp, unlike any other musical instrument, is a living entity. It grows from out of the ground, blossoming and even bearing fruit. Its gossamer, web-like strings produce a sound that few are able to hear. Only the truly ingenuous spirit can perceive its atmospheric musical air. Sylvan dwellers are drawn to the magical recital and a rare, ethereal appearance from a musical muse can be seen if you look quickly.
The artistic and musical collaboration of Steven & Patricia inspired this beautiful title song which appears on Mrs. Carlson’s Creative Harp CD ‘Woodland Opus’.
Summer Girl – Steven Paul Carlson
Summer Girl – pastel 16” x 20”
Flyaway blond hair, freckles, and that faint smile easily makes this one of my favorite portraits.
It’s mid February and I have spring fever! I was hoping this beautiful summer image might hasten the coming of warmer weather.
But then…
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck,
There are no prints of this piece only the original.
India – Steven Paul Carlson
India – pastel 16” x 20”
This stunning face still captivates me; it was an absolutely wonderful portrait to paint. It is one of those rare pieces of my own art that actually hangs in my house. 😉
The textures here also intrigued me; the necklace, the embroidery on her clothing and then creating the sheer effect of the veil.
Like the Viking portrait this too is rendered with pastels. It’s an intricate layering technique using different pastels with a final detail finish of pastel pencil. This layering process gives the portrait an oil painting, oil glaze look.
There are no prints of this work only the original.
Summer Faerie
Summer Faerie
The Four Season Faeries – Graphite 16” X 20”
Herald of the summer solstice; certainly the most care-free of all her sisters Summer Faerie maintains harmony between prolific spring and fruitful autumn with the long, warm, tranquil days of summertide.
Twig – The Faerie’s Secret
Twig
The Faerie’s Secret
16”X20” Mixed medium
Twig Oaklyn Flewinia Thistlebottom…
Whew! That’s quite a name. Fortunately her friends know her simply as Twig, the fun, whimsical, magical faerie that graces the renaissance festivals. The young at heart, who are fortunate enough to meet her, often find themselves sprinkled with faerie dust and presented with a magical gem! But be aware, if you ask what the secret is in her hands, she will only answer with her flute. I hope you are fluent in double piped aulos.
Canis Lupus V
Canis Lupus V
The Grey Wolf of the Americas – The Recovery
Historically, few animals have been as misunderstood as the wolf and, as a result, it has been brought dangerously close to extinction. Because of the champion efforts of naturalists, wild life advocates, and the support and financial giving of wolf lovers, the tide is turning; the protection and recovery of the grey wolf population in America is proving to be very successful. I am proud that my home state of Minnesota has taken such a strong leadership role in these efforts!
Canis Lupus V is the new addition to the Hidden Creations Wolf series and is a celebration of the efforts of so many who have given so much of themselves to help in the recovery of the American grey wolf.
Graphite on board 20 X 32 by Steven Paul Carlson, hand colored Gicleé prints available.
The Great Houdini
The Great Houdini
(March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926)
Graphite on board 16” X 20” – Steven Paul Carlson – Gicleé prints available
The center portrait was created from Houdini’s favorite publicity photo.
On the left Houdini is performing his “challenge handcuff” act; it was in escapes, not magic, that Houdini would find his great success.
On the right is Houdini’s most famous escape, the Chinese Water Torture Cell. Houdini affectionately referred to it as The Up Side Down. Contrary to common belief Houdini did not die performing this act.
In the center are the Famous Mirror handcuffs, a custom set of cuffs made as a special challenge for Houdini by the London Daily Mirror in 1904. It was reported that 4000 people and more than 100 journalists turned out for the much-hyped event at London’s Hippodrome theater. The escape attempt dragged on for over three hours. When Houdini finally emerged free he broke down and wept when he was paraded on the shoulders of the cheering crowd. Houdini later said it was the most difficult escape of his career.
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini
(March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926)
Graphite on board 16” X 20” – Steven Paul Carlson – Gicleé prints available
Caught here in a rare moment of repose Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer. He was also a skeptic who set out to expose frauds purporting to be supernatural phenomena. For the majority of his career, Houdini performed his act as a headliner in vaudeville. For many years, he was the highest-paid performer in American vaudeville.
Born Erik Ivan Weisz (he would later spell his birth name as Ehrich Weiss) in Budapest, Hungary, on March 24, 1874, Houdini later claimed in interviews to have been born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on April 6, 1874.
His parents were Rabbi Mayer Samuel Weisz (1829 – 1892)
and his wife Cecilia Steiner (1841 – 1913). Houdini was one of seven children.
Professor Steven Paul Carlson’s Traveling Magic & Mystery Show
Professor Steven Paul Carlson’s traveling magic and mystery show. Magic that mystifies the mind, enriches the soul, and delights the heart! Acclaimed by the Crowned Heads of Europe!
Panthera Leo
Panthera Leo
Pastel – Steven Paul Carlson
Suitably named the King of Beasts, the regal stature of this noble monarch is caught here in a moment of repose. The last rays of the setting Serengeti sun wash across his majestic face and mane. A nocturnal hunter by nature, the coming crepuscular hour marks the beginning of the lion’s workday.
Revered for its legendary strength and bravery, the lion has been a symbol of supremacy throughout recorded history. The full grown male conveys a grandeur and self-assurance like no other animal. His magnificent mane is reminiscent of a king’s ceremonial headdress or an Indian chief’s war bonnet. His roar, a low grumble building in intensity sends a vibrating signal throughout his domain and literally makes the earth quake. All these unique qualities, and more, make the lion the undisputed king of beasts, the Monarch of the Animal Kingdom.
Gicleé prints are available.
Panthera Pardus
Panthera Pardus
Leopard
Every muscle relaxed with paws tucked in close, his lithe body low and snug to the terrain. Patient and motionless with perfect camouflage the leopard becomes virtually invisible to their prey. What animal can match this intense focus so unique to the feline? Whether it’s a big cat or small all cat owners are familiar with this distinct posture and look.
This is a gicleé print hand colored by the artist. Steven Paul Carlson
art & magic 