3- Contemporary Realistic Art, Water Portraits, “Ethereal” by Deborah Chapin, Hair Portrait Underwater

Contemporary Realistic Art, Water Portraits, Underwater Portrait Painting Series- “Ethereal Moment” 24×34 oil on linen, by Deborah Chapin

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This is the third piece in the series of Contemporary Realistic Art, Water Portraits entitled “Ethereal Moment”.

Definition e·the·re·al

extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
“her ethereal beauty”

I wanted to paint this aspect of subject and as I said in the Book of Water Part III segment we happened upon it by accident, nevertheless when you discover something you pursue it. Can you guess what the discovery is? It is very subtle in this piece.

The slide show above is the process of painting this subject of “Ethereal Moment”, 24×34 oil on linen canvas.
See the Book of Water Part III write-up on this piece.

About the Artist

My Online Studio is an extension of my studio. When you enter you are entering my studio but without the housekeeping. I offer fine art in original oil paintings on linen and also canvas prints of favorite original pieces. Most of my originals in the past 20 years have been painted en plein air ( on location) I have lectured and made film presentation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, exhibited at the Louvre, and museums through out the world See my Exhibition History
The next 30 years I expect to be doing a combination of unusual water portrait work and collector’s favorite, my beach scenes with people. If you have questions feel free to ask.
For more information see

Artist’s Statement

I have painted every subject known to woman at this point, starting with marine art, coastals, seascapes, florals and landscapes en plein air (on location) I am now branching out to portraits and figurative work and add it to my skills and eventually incorporate it into my seascapes. I am excited to see where it goes and how it evolves. Currently I am taking on a project of underwater portrait paintings and figure work. I began this portfolio with the economic downturn because the expense and personal considerations made travel impossible. I have been painting water in all its various forms and moods for 35 years and this subject matter appealed to me because it combined something I knew well with something I was just beginning to learn. The objective wasn’t to do a photo realistic painting but rather to capture the essence of the subject and the spirit of the model. Water often represents the border between this world and the next but that need not be the dark side of that connotation and to my mind it is uplifting and full of life and movement. I am seeking to depict the inside dynamic of an individual using water to carry light and movement through the subject. What I’m trying to depict is the spirit of women, not as the languid object but instead as a dynamic, spirited, strong and intellectually thoughtful individual. Water is a freeing medium, releasing the subject from the constraints of the ordinary and from gravity it also doesn’t allow for “the pose” with the difficulty of control comes movement and life into the depiction and a certain serendipity which I have always found to be an inspiration. I use the natural light because again it the opposite of the darkness it represents life and vitality and enhances the strength of light patterns and movement lines.