#rampion

Mother Goethel, 2025

Rapunzel

My second approach to Rapunzel! I was able to highlight more things and keep the details nice and sharp. I really am out of practice/style with more painterly approaches. From what I'm working on art wise now I find myself more and more drawn to...what I'm calling wood-block inspired style. More limited color palettes, clean line art, and no brushstrokes for me I guess.

Originally created for @foliosociety 's 2025 illustration competition, illustrating the Brothers Grimm’s “Rapunzel.”

After the Prince falls from the tower and escapes through briars, he wanders the wilderness until finally reuniting with Rapunzel and their twins. I imagine them living happily ever after in the wilds, his armor rusted and overgrown as it guards their garden. New life grows from old: animals and birds make homes in rusted plate, briars grow through a battered visor, and numerous species of rampion (rapunzel) grow over greaves. The armor roots into the land as the family learns to grow with the wilderness, sustained and uplifted by what once imprisoned them.

The armor is based on a set of 16th c. German armor by Kunz Lochner, with subtle narrative engravings throughout. This was my first time painting armor, and I was a monster to do it in watercolor; next time I'll use oils for sure.

Watercolor, 8×10”, 2025.

Protected with @theglazeproject because F AI.

Prints available through my InPrnt shop: