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Guardian of Shifting Tides

creativity healing hope well being Jan 14, 2026
Guardian of Shifting Tides - Mixed media painting by artist Jenn Royster

This piece is my interpretation of Poseidon. Not just as a god of untamed waters but as a guardian who watches over the temple and those who find refuge there. I wanted to capture that blend of strength and care, a presence that commands respect and offers protection. In “Guardian of Shifting Tides”, the figure is both a force of nature and a steadfast protector, standing resolute against the ever-changing elements.

I’m excited to introduce “Guardian of Shifting Tides”, a 22 by 30-inch mixed media piece that channels a commanding presence emerging from the restless ocean. This work presents a powerful figure, muscular and intense, with flowing hair and a beard that move like the waves themselves. He grips a large trident in his right hand, standing firm amid turbulent seas, embodying an unwavering authority over the water. The surrounding environment pulses with motion. Churning waves collide with misty clouds that dissolve into a rocky, fortress-like structure on the right side of the canvas. Deep blues and purples meet muted earth tones here, shaping a dramatic and mystical atmosphere that highlights the figure’s dominance.

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This piece is my interpretation of Poseidon. Not just as a god of untamed waters but as a guardian who watches over the temple and those who find refuge there. I wanted to capture that blend of strength and care, a presence that commands respect and offers protection. In “Guardian of Shifting Tides”, the figure is both a force of nature and a steadfast protector, standing resolute against the ever-changing elements.

The process behind this work involved layering pastels, acrylics, and oil paints, building texture and depth through each medium. This layering allowed me to shape the scene’s energy and intensity, starting with the fluidity of pastels, strengthening with acrylics, and finishing with oils to bring richness and luminosity to the final composition.

With “Guardian of Shifting Tides”, I invite you to reflect on resilience amid uncertainty. How strength can anchor us even when the world feels in constant motion. This figure is a reminder that control doesn’t mean dominance over chaos, but a steady stewardship that protects and endures. It’s an homage to the quiet power found in guardianship and the deeper assurance that comes from facing shifting tides with resolve.

 

 

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