Kallos
In Greek mythology, Zeus would cheat on his wife Hera with a mortal named Alcemene. Alcemene would soon give birth to a son — Heracles — who, being a half-mortal, had no powers of a God. The cunning Zeus tricked his wife into nursing the infant Heracles. Not long later, Hera would realize who Heracles was and stopped nursing the baby. As she pulled the infant Heracles off her breast, drops of her milk fell into the earth and formed the most beautiful flowers in existence — the calla lilies.
These flowers were named after the classic Greek word, kallos, which could translate to beautiful.
This Greek story is also said to be an account of how the Milky Way formed. Instead of flowers, a spurt of milk from Hera's breast after she pulled the infant son of her husband formed the Milky Way.
Calla lilies are often associated with purity and innocence. As such, they are a frequent choice in funeral arrangements for young people who passed before their time. It also explains why some tombstones have calla lilies engraved into them. Calla lilies have also become symbols of youth and rebirth.
Drawing Calla
There is no particular prompt in today's drawing. It's just that I have been particularly interested in painting flowers lately, and calla lilies have been very attractive. I used this particular photo from Pinterest as base reference for the woman in this artwork.
Calla on Rarible
I was initially unsure how I should proceed with this piece. I ended up thinking about just turning this into a study and just draw the reference as it was, but I ended up playing around with it. As I said, I'd been particularly interested in painting flowers lately.
I had difficulty choosing what color of calla lilies I should use, but after deciding to have a cigarette incorporated, I ended up painting the flowers in their white variation.
The woman was so fun to paint, and relatively easy. I think she looked pretty, and her colors were fun to choose. I liked her eyes the best.
Notes
This artwork is no longer part of the Art for a Cause initiative. :) I'll present details in a transparency report I'll be writing in a few days. Thanks to everyone who supported this cause! 💙
This artwork is minted 2/2 on Rarible.
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