Orphic Hymn 16 to Hera (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) :
"O royal Hera, of majestic mien, aerial-formed, divine, Zeus’ blessed queen, throned in the bosom of cerulean air, the race of mortals is thy constant care. The cooling gales they power alone inspires, which nourish life, which every life desires. Mother of showers and winds, from thee alone, producing all things, mortal life is known: all natures share thy temperament divine, and universal sway alone is thine, with sounding blasts of wind, the swelling sea and rolling rivers roar when shook by thee. Come, blessed Goddess, famed almighty queen, with aspect kind, rejoicing and serene."

Hera, Protectress of Women

This painting is more or less finished. An identifier will be added to the stem/band across the blouse And there may be some tweaking here and there. I learned a lot about this style. For one, the composition needed to be more completely exact before painting. Unlike landscape, this imaginative format was more difficult to make changes as the work progressed. Each little paint change shows the previous brush strokes. And much younger eyes and hands are required for such detailed and fine work.

Hera, Protectress of Women

Most of the work now is cleaning areas and refining details. I added a gauze veil, but my house critic thinks it looks like a tan hat. He doesn't care for it. I will add and identifier along the sienna band at the bottom. Perhaps Goddess of Marriage or Spirit of Women.

Hera, Protectress of Women

Hera is identified.

Hera, Protectress of Women

Hera, Protectress of Women

Repainted the blue background because the color was very uneven. Took advantage of that to remove some of the hair. Then spent most of the session refining the lily area.

Hera, Protectress of Women

Good brushes really do make a difference. For the past few years I have been using brushes I pick up at Michael's Craft Store. Mostly, I do this out of laziness; any decent art store is an hour away. Finally, I broke down and ordered brushes from Daniel Smith. Boy! I suddenly remembered how great a nice brush is. Any of you who try to cut an edge in a room with a cheap brush will understand this.
I'm working on the hair. I think there is still a bit too much around the top right of the head.