Yield

Yield... now here's an interesting word; it can mean both surrender and reward, defeat and gain.

The finger extensions are just plates of gold rolled to form a thin point... of course, I used artistic license on how they are worn here. Despite the way they are portrayed in this painting, they are not intended to be used as pointy weapons -- they break very easily (Today, they are only available in brass or copper and not gold... ah, the good ol' days!)

I started this back on March 24, 2006. Almost a year later I found the file loitering around my computer and had the urge to finish it -- I was in for a trip...

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Can't believe I didn't mention this -- 2AM in the morning sucks me dry!

Those gold extensions are used only for traditional Thai dances (typically for Manora, the Kinnari [bird-woman] princess... as the lead character, she needs the hottest talons).

The background is a temple setting with gold leaf representing reverence and sacredness. When you enter the temple, only after you have purified yourself and whisper a prayer can gold leaf be put on your forehead as a blessing. It's usually placed by a monk or an elder.

Temple dancers favored by the heavens. They are the ultimate form of 'thank you card'. If you pray at the temple and your wish is granted, it is common to sponsor a dance... the greater your wish, the better the dancers ought to be.

I was painting a royal temple dancer -- messenger to the gods -- donned with gold. On her forehead is the vague gold leaf imprint of the country of Thailand.

....Now how did I forget all that?

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No ref for this one, I thought it would be a quickie... was wrong... Here's the steps if you're interested:
[link]