I'm starting right away on the next piece in the series. No more long gaps between paintings if I can help it.
The main themes I wanted to address with this piece is the personality of Cancer as a strong protector. Originally, I was worried about making the design too crab-like, but the more I've worked on it the more the animistic elements associated with the sign feel essential.
The suggestion of the tree behind him is based off the tree that is harvested for myrrh, which is the origin of the Angel's name Muriel. As the piece moves forwards I'm also going to be looking for opportunities to call out other specific references to the symbols and traits of the sign, including some of my own personal associations with people from my life that I think of as iconic Cancers.