Fireflies by the moon river

A classical portraiture made through the use of the old master technique grisaille (monochromatic underpainting) building multiple layers through glazing to achieve realistic skin tones. 

“Fireflies of the moon river” depicts the poignant story between two lovers caught in the wrong time, soul-tied for eternity torn apart by war, the last night they share in each others company. Sheltered under the watchful eye of the blue moon with the fireflies as the only witness to their promise, that no matter what happens they will return to each other’s arm once more. A vow they made, marked by the gift of a pearl earring, his last glimpse of peace before he marches towards the chaos of war, he finds solace in their childhood safe haven, a walk by the river, one last time, a memory he’ll keep when he lays asleep in the cold drenched trench.