The Tower of Lond held many prisoners, all with different stories. Yet one prisoner in particular caught my attention: Sir Walter Raleigh. He was born in Devon around 1554 and was the youngest of five sons. The man was an academic as well as an explorer, and early on in life he seemed to be a favorite of the Queen. Learning about him, I gained the impression that he was quite excessive as a person. I read that he supposedly threw his cloak in a puddle so that the Queen wouldn’t have to get her feet wet, which is the most over-the-top thing I’ve ever heard of. In fact, it reminded me of something you’d see in a Hallmark film. Huge fan of that, actually. He also wrote poems referring to her as the goddess Cynthia who, as the personification of the moon, had power over water. Water, of course, being the nickname the Queen had given Walter. What a man.
His devoted theatrics weren’t enough to make him immune, however, as when the Queen caught him in a secret marriage with one of her ladies in waiting, they were both sent to the Tower– along with their child (who did not survive due to the plague). His story goes on, with him being released and winding up back in the tower again, but what’s most intriguing to me is the actual state of his imprisonment. It’s almost… romantic? Okay hear me out. He spent 13 years in the Bloody Tower (due to treason; his sentence was originally death but James I had mercy on him) but it was unlike any regular imprisonment. He was given well furnished rooms, a garden, and he lived there with his wife, kids, and three servants. He wrote poetry, studied chemistry and history, and even grew exotic plants. Aside from having to share the Tower with family, that sounds like a good time to me. Sure, there are downsides to being locked in a tower, but also, the sheer amount of free time to simply create art and read sounds heavenly. Sue me! It is fascinating though, that that was considered imprisonment. The entire set up seemed so comfortable to me, which was a little strange to experience. Especially after learning about the conditions in which other prisoners lived.
Aside from the Bloody Tower, I got some good inspiration and ideas for art pieces! I was captivated by the roses on display, which seemed to add an odd yet fantastical element to the place.
I would love to do some sort of painting that incorporates that. It’d be a great exercise for value and contrast, with the greys of the tower clashing with the blood red of the roses. Ooooh wait I can see it now.
I also absolutely adore the ravens, and would like to do a study of one.
Just look at him, oh my god I want one.
As for the whole “I want to post art in every blog so I have accountability”. Well. Unfortunately I am a liar. Okay wait. I have a sketch I’ll include, but it’s unfinished, as I plan on painting it :)) I suppose this gives a lil’ sneak peek into my process, which is chaotic and would make any loomis method lover have nightmares for weeks (I have a nasty habit of drawing the face and THEN the head. Please don’t ask how, I do not know).
I need to fix his chin and define everything a lil better before I start painting. Hopefully I don’t absolutely wreck it, I’d like to have a final painting to show eventually. Okay I’ll stop talking about art.
Peace!
Theatre in London U of A 