Where we speak of pirates and gypsies

I really am a geek. Especially in regards to history. I've always been. I have a fascination for stories, people's stories, and myths and legends. We all have myth and legends in our own families, some are tales of tragedies, some of hope and resilience and some of happiness. They trickle down through generations mixing with your own hopes, tragedies and experiences making up the fabric of who you are.
In my case, there had been stories of gypsies on the maternal side forever. We joked about it and didn't take it too seriously. Then, almost whispered, the little secret that was talked about by older generations got told to me. There be pirates in the family. Or corsairs, we are not quite sure.
After extensive research going back to the 1700's, it turned out to be all true. Yep, pirates and gypsies. Good lord.

Now going back to art. I had started this lady having in mind that she'd be a lesson for a class that I'm making. But all these revelations kept swirling in my head and she ended up looking very differently than what I had envisioned at first. Therefore, she doesn't fit as a project for the class but I thought I'd share a few progress shots here.

What about you? I'd love to know your family's story, please share in the comments or on facebook!

And don't forget to sign up for my newsletter if you'd like to be informed of the classes I'll be doing very soon.

Much love,

Marie