Kevin E. Cain
Illustration
Celtic Art
Celtic knot-work, or interlace, developed centuries ago and achieved great heights in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Ireland. I use the technique in a modern context while trying to maintain a foundation in the past. Some of these pieces are still works in progress, and they will be updated when finished.
Water color, ink, and gold leaf. You can read more about this image on my blog.
The Dragon Ring was inspired by Mammen style decoration from the 10th century. It was painted with hand-ground pigments on watercolor paper.
The ancient Welsh story of Cerridwen and Taliesen, a tale of magic and transformation, is found in the Mabinogion. Here, Gwion Bach (later Taliesen) changes himself into a hare to escape Cerridwen and she takes the form of a hound to pursue him. This is my color proof, worked up in Photoshop, from which I will create the final watercolor art.
From the tale of Cerridwen and Taliesen, the second transformation where Gwion Bach takes the form of a salmon and Cerridwen that of an otter. This is my color proof, worked up in Photoshop, from which I will create the final watercolor art.
Gwion Bach becomes a sparrow and Cerridwen a hawk in the third transformation in the tale of Cerridwen and Taliesen. This is my color proof, worked up in Photoshop, from which I will create the final watercolor art.
In the last transformation in the tale of Cerridwen and Taliesen, Gwion Bach becomes a single seed in a pile of grain. Cerridwen turns herself into a hen and eats the whole pile. Nine months later she gives birth to Taliesen. You can see the great poet in her womb with quill already in hand. This is my color proof, worked up in Photoshop, from which I will create the final watercolor art.
The Greenman is a common figure in Celtic folklore and myth. I depicted him with oak on one side and holly on the other to reflect the legend of the Oak King and the Holly King. This was done in watercolor and gouache on Arches hot-pressed watercolor paper.
A series of knot-work borders done for a commemorative custom book. Gouache on Arches hot-pressed watercolor paper.
Detail of another border design. Watercolor on Arches hot-pressed watercolor paper.
Detail of another border design. Watercolor on Arches hot-pressed watercolor paper.