Death Stamp V (2024) Original Mixed-media Painting by Paul Ward

Death stamp No 5. Acrylic and ink on paper, 21cm x 30cm.

It's not all weeping angels and grimacing Jesus's in the cemetery. Perhaps these more uplifting sculptures and carvings are a family's attempt to instil in others what their departed loved one once made them feel.

This is another work that wouldn't have been possible, but for a trip to Le Cimetière de la Guillotière Nouveau, not too far from where I am in Lyon. I spent a sunny afternoon wandering between the gravel alleyways and cracked headstones, uncovering lost gems and visiting those who haven't had guests for a while.

As I strolled in and out of the sun dappled paths I was struck by this ladies pose. The rest is a story that takes place at my easel with paint and ink.

Materials used:

Acrylic and ink on 270gsm paper

Details:

• Mixed-media painting on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 21 x 30 x 0.1cm (unframed)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Illustrative
• Subject: Flowers and plants