A New Portrait Project
Every time I open an art book, I learn something new and am inspired to create something new. I return to my collection of art books again and again for inspiration. Recently, I taught a workshop at my studio on Rembrandt and the kind of light he used in his paintings as it translates to photography. I surrounded myself with art books in order to prepare for the workshop. Inspiration comes from other places, too. I recently watched the PBS series “Secrets of Six Wives,” about King Henry VIII’s wives. I was enamored with the costumes! And inspired…
This is the start of a new portrait project where I’ll choose works of art from various historical periods as inspiration. In each portrait, I’ll add a twist–one modern element.
For this part, I looked at Renaissance paintings:
“Portrait of a Lady” by Bernardino Licinio; “Mary Magdalene Holding the Unguent Jar,” by an artist or group of artists known as “The Master of the Female Half Length,” and “Catherine Howard,” by Hans Holbein the Younger.
![](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Renaissance-Paintings_0030-1024x435.jpg)
![Behind the scenes with a stylist & Maundy Mitchell setting up studio lights](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Behind-the-Scenes-with-a-Stylist-Maundy-Mitchell-Preparing-Studio-Lights_0032-1024x492.jpg)
Special thanks to hair & makeup artist Melissa Hanson, assistant Audrey Drake, and muse Katie Gaynor.
![Portrait with Car Keys](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Portrait-with-Car-Keys_0033-683x1024.jpg)
![Portrait with a Travel Mug](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Portrait-with-a-Travel-Mug_0034-683x1024.jpg)
![Portrait with a Red Purse](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Portrait-with-a-Red-Purse_0035-683x1024.jpg)