Process - Final

The final captures the idea I saw in my head when I did the initial sketch. Surprisingly, it didn't change much during production. It has a little more darkness, by the fact that I chose to have the water and the globe be the only sources of light in the scene. Initially, I guessed there would be a dull overhead light as well. I dropped this in favor of the more dramatic, intimate light these two sources provide. I also think the final is more mysterious, as the viewer is left to guess exactly what the 'offering' is to be. Is the woman being offered light (life) from the fountain within the machine, or the opposite? Exactly how benevolent is that machine, which is very much alive, despite its ancient ruined quality? There is a religious solemnity to the final that makes the image more than just paint on canvas.