A Drop of Ruby
A soul, forged through sacrifice and time, becomes a jewel of eternity.
A drop of blood crystallizes into a ruby — a soul finding form within perfect facets. It rests upon an altar where time does not pass, but flows in an endless stream of sand. Above this landscape of eternity hangs a crescent moon, like the silent smile of the heavens.
A soul, forged through sacrifice and time, becomes a jewel of eternity.
A drop of blood crystallizes into a ruby — a soul finding form within perfect facets. It rests upon an altar where time does not pass, but flows in an endless stream of sand. Above this landscape of eternity hangs a crescent moon, like the silent smile of the heavens.
Medium: Digital Painting
Style: Surrealism
Limited Edition: Only 3 physical prints exist
View on Artmajeur
View on Artmajeur
The Details
Steps of Creation
Step 1: The Essence — 'The Drop of Ruby'
I began the composition with the 'Drop of Ruby'. It was a deeply immersive process, experimenting with various textural brushes and layered techniques to bring the scene to life. My goal was to craft a tangible contrast: the soft, deep texture of the velvet box, the cool luster of the metallic details, and the delicate sheen of the silk lining. And, of course, the gem itself—I wanted it to feel as if living blood had been captured and frozen in time, suspended in a state of eternal, glowing metamorphosis.
I began the composition with the 'Drop of Ruby'. It was a deeply immersive process, experimenting with various textural brushes and layered techniques to bring the scene to life. My goal was to craft a tangible contrast: the soft, deep texture of the velvet box, the cool luster of the metallic details, and the delicate sheen of the silk lining. And, of course, the gem itself—I wanted it to feel as if living blood had been captured and frozen in time, suspended in a state of eternal, glowing metamorphosis.
Step 2: The Altar — Ornate Support for 'The Drop of Ruby'
I conceptualized the 'Altar' as a structural metaphor: a mahogany table supported by five limbs, symbolizing the five primary human senses that allow us to perceive the world. My aim was to imbue this object with a complex, fantasy-like character, directly channelling the idea that human emotions, much like intricate filigree, can be beautifully convoluted and difficult to fully decipher.
I poured my imagination directly into the golden filigree patterns, crafting them by hand to be whimsical and elaborate, much like the winding paths of our internal feelings. For the wood itself, I meticulously rendered a highly glossy, lacquered finish—not just for aesthetic elegance, but as a practical necessity, creating a frictionless surface for the mythical sands of time to glide seamlessly across, emphasizing the impermanence of all things physical.
Step 3: The Celestial Landscape — A Symbol of Eternity
The final stage was the creation of the night desert—a symbol of eternity and infinity. While technically the most intuitive part of the process, it was the most contemplative. I wanted the horizon to feel infinite, cradling the altar within a silent, eternal space.
The ultimate touch was the moon. I consciously chose to paint it not as a sharp, blade-like crescent, but as a vessel—a 'chalice of light.' I call it the 'Smile of Heaven'—a sign of approval from above.
Step 4: The Sands of Time — A Golden Gift
The final touch, once all layers and symbols had found their place, was the depiction of time itself: the flowing sand. This was an exhilarating phase of brushwork, using particle effects to sculpt volume and motion. I intentionally rendered the sand to resemble liquid gold, for time is indeed a golden gift—precious and fleeting, slipping through our fingers with every passing second.
The final touch, once all layers and symbols had found their place, was the depiction of time itself: the flowing sand. This was an exhilarating phase of brushwork, using particle effects to sculpt volume and motion. I intentionally rendered the sand to resemble liquid gold, for time is indeed a golden gift—precious and fleeting, slipping through our fingers with every passing second.
Art in Space
Art is the soul finding its form.
