Possibilities: an orb mystery

“Illuminating Idea” // 26” x 26” // watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, ink on paper

The orb

There’s a lot of history and mystery surrounding the orb. In photographs, some believe it’s a spirit or entity while others attribute it to dust particles. Throughout history, the concept of orbs has been intertwined with folklore and spirituality. In folklore, orbs were known as will-o'-the-wisps—luminous shapes often seen above marshes or swamps. In spirituality, the orb or halo has been depicted above figures to symbolize enlightenment or a spiritual presence. In ancient astronomy, celestial orbs were thought to carry the stars and planets.

“Possibilities 12” // 5” x 5” // watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, ink on paper

I myself have seen an orb. It was night, and I was lying in bed, trying to fall asleep. I decided to listen to some meditative music to help me relax. When the track was ended, I opened my eyes, and there was a luminous blue orb about an arm’s length away, just sort of hovering, moving just slightly. It was incredibly bright.

I blinked multiple times and pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t asleep, but it was still there. However, once I became excited and wanted to look at it more closely, it simply disappeared.

“Possibilities 8” // 8” x 8” framed // watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, ink on paper

Possibilities are infinite

When I first started painting these, they reminded me of possibilities—that within the sphere or circle, possibilities seem endless. They also felt like forms of thought or memory. I would get lost in the details of the layers, watching the shapes morph, move, and create thoughts, memories, and new possibilities.

“Metamorphosis” // 26” x 26” // watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, ink on paper

Technique

I mainly use watercolor when painting these pieces because of its transparent, ethereal quality. It allows me to build layers for greater depth of color, keep certain areas thin and translucent, enhance details with graphite or colored pencils, and add flowing lines with fine-tip pens. All of these elements work together to create a sense of movement.

“Possibilities 26” // 8” x 8” framed // watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, ink on paper

Discover more

Whatever you believe or see, I hope you discover something within them.

You can check out my Orbs portfolio. To see my available artwork, visit Blue Gallery online or in person in Kansas City, MO.