Leda and Zeus

Movement is a key element in my paintings and I constantly look for scenes from fiction that inspire me to depict dynamism and action on a flat sheet of canvas. According to Greek mythology, Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda, queen of Sparta. Swans are formidable creatures; elegant, but also powerful. I wanted to show the power of the swan flapping its enormous wings to allude to the inexorable influence of Zeus. Leda is comparatively vulnerable and overshadowed. The contrast enhances the drama.