Joan of Arc

On By ResaIn Garage Doors

That was my first thought upon seeing this stunning painting.

I found this a most difficult image to capture.

The squares on the garage door create a grid that has to be aligned while shooting. Focus is required, but there were these 2 interesting guys who engaged me in a chat.

Anyway, turned out one lives across the street from my B-i-L. That led to more chat.

The other guy lives across the alley from this art. He said he was there when the artist was painting it.

He asked the artist if she was painting Joan of Arc.? She said she hadn’t thought about it.

Pics taken by Resa – June 27, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist:

So, I went to the artist’s website. WOW! Her work is fabulous a renaissance, a classic in our new age. She ended up naming this – Sol Aer

171 thoughts on “Joan of Arc”

    1. Thanks Shey! It was like finding an alley Rembrandt. It is an unusual style for street art.

      I love the rush I get when I find a fabulous piece of street art. It never gets old. Only the art gets old.
      xxxxxxxxxx

        1. It is interesting to me how some places embrace art in the street, and some places don’r want any.
          Well, I’ll always share mine! xxxxx

          1. Well thre is art here but nothing like this. In fact I took a wee pic of some ‘art’ at a bus stop the other week to send you. Cos I saw it and though of you.

              1. I will message you it. it is so silly actually ,…nothing like you have here. But I thought of you cos of that. Sorry for the late reply. we’ve been away all weekend at afolk music fes no less. .

                1. Ohh, I’ll bet you had fun!
                  Yes, I got the piece, thank you dear Shey.
                  I LOVE being thought of.
                  However, you are starved for street art!
                  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  2. Hi Resa, you know I like swords (real and laser) and this one has gotta be one of the finest I’ve seen. I cannot even begin to work out how this was painted – to get the flames blended like that and still display a sense of heat – amazing!

    1. Tyeth, I should have known you’d like this one a lot!

      It is a sublime painting. The woman is uber talented. I fell in love!
      Thanks for the great comment!

    1. It is a beautiful piece. Joan of Arc came to mind in an instant. I sure agree with your thoughts.
      Thank you, Aladin!
      🌟🎨🌹❦💖

  6. This is stunning, Resa–the work and your series of photos. I can see why you thought Joan of Arc. She seems fired from within along with or by that sword. Wow!

    1. Thank you, Merril!
      Yes, she’s a fighter, a warrior whoever she is.

      I felt there was a message for me in this (even if the artist meant nothing of the sort). The fighting to resist, the resistance, and I surrounded her in blue and white for the header.

      Joan of Arc was French, and the colours of the French flag are red, white and blue.
      The American flag is red, white and blue too.

      1. You’re welcome, Resa.

        That’s what make art (including all the arts) successful–if they work, they speak to you. 💙

        She is a symbol of France now, but I don’t think the French flag was the same then. There may not even have been a “French” flag.

        1. Yes, the arts speak to me, some whisper, some shout. That’s mostly what I care about now.

          Ahh, yes of course. Joan of Arc was from the 15th century.
          I had to look up the flag from then.
          They apparently used a blue flag with 3 yellow fleur-de-lis. 💙⚜️

          1. Yes, that’s what art does.

            I saw that, too, about the blue with gold fleur-de-lis. I imagine the various duchies may also have had their own flags then, too.

                    4. You’re right. That’s weird. I went searching, and found in on Reader. If you find his post there, before you open it, there are three dots in the corner. If you click on that you can find subscribe.

  8. Wow, this is enchanting! Love the vibe and your photos really capture the mood of this amazing street art. Such warm, passionate colors, too. Thanks for sharing; this is quite something! ❤️‍🔥🧑‍🎨⚔️

    1. Hey Ada!
      Yes, it is quite something. I got all goofy with glee when I found this.
      So happy you like it!
      ☀️ xo❤️‍🔥

    1. You’re welcome Beth.
      Most artists are just on Instagram. I did have an Instagram account years ago, but quit when meta bought it. I do not belong to anything that zuckeberg owns.

      Anyway, she has a website, so I was able to go there!

  10. That is stunning artwork, Resa. I’m trying to imagine pulling into my driveway – I might not want to open the door. Thanks for the lovely photos.

            1. Ah, sounds like a cool career.
              Maybe she would like to get her hands dirty again? Maybe not! If we had a garage door, I would paint it!

    1. Hello Klausbernd!
      Agree, it is a great work of art.
      Is a garage door the right place for it?
      YES!!!

      I do go to the art gallery. I love it.
      Still,I love art in the street better. So many never go to the art gallery or museum. Some can’t afford to go.

      Street art might be the only art some ever see.

      Also, the artist is popular in Toronto, and has Art Shows to sell her work. It’s a beautiful thing that she is sharing her talent and ability with all.

      The Fab Four are Fab!
      ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

  16. loving the ethereal vibe!

    🔥🔥🔥🐦‍🔥⚔️❤️‍🔥⚔️🐦‍🔥🔥🔥🔥

    ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ ❤️‍🔥 ‌ 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌ ❤️‍🔥 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖

    1. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 𝔊ℜ𝔒𝔒𝔙𝔜 ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

      I love the vibe too, Graham!

  18. It is stunning. I think Joan of Arc is a great guess. I am not sure what “Sol Aer” beyond “Solar” mixed with “Air” – say like a solar jet or flare, like the one that seems to be coming from her belly. Anyway, great work of art!

    1. Thanks Trent!
      I think it’s pretty great, too!
      I found a gorgeous turtle today, but it’s hard to get excited after this and Lennon.

      Love your new – different – song!

      1. Yeah, this one and Lennon are hard to beat, but I am sure the turtle was beautiful 🙂
        Thanks about the song. BTW, I put up a post about it earlier today. I’ve had a few good comments 🙂

  22. Resa, thank you for introducing me to this extraordinary mural—and to the powerful work of Olivia Di Gregorio. Her imagery is profoundly moving and reminds me so much of the spirit and depth I find in the Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood.

    I visited Olivia’s website and was amazed by how her oil paintings reflect themes of change, isolation, and resilience. Her experience as a biracial Canadian of Chinese and Italian heritage, and her role as a caregiver, bring such layered emotion to her work. She captures moments of quiet catastrophe and transformation—what she calls “the bloom derived from a seed of chaos.” That phrase alone echoes in the heart.

    Thank you, Resa, for opening a window into this artist’s world. I LOVE joining you on your mural treasure hunts. You always find treasure.

    1. She really is a fabulous artist. I am completely smitten. She is definitely in their sisterhood, by her spirit.

      Yes, that phrase.. it seems art has made her smart and that the smart goes back into her art.

      Sm -ART
      Trams -smart backwards – trams move us from place to place, as does art.

      You are so much fun to chat with, Rebecca! Hugs!

  23. Surface to air or fired from the ground is what I could find. This is such a strong mural and esoteric. It keeps revealing the more you look at it.

    Great to learn about Olivia Di Gregorio!

    Many hugs, dahlin!

    …and slobberies!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. I’m happy you like this Marina Dahlin’!
      I just love it. It feels like female power.
      Foam Mattress
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  26. I love it. It does have a religious to feel to it. I’d definitely stick with Joan of Arc. Nice work my friend!!! xoxoxoxo

  27. This is breathtaking, I can imagine how you felt on finding this beautiful art on a garage door. The artist is amazing , so gifted. I hope she is doing more art work. Making a couple of friends is pretty cool too. Love this so much !

    xoxoxoxoxo

    1. It is stunning. I feel it’s also a good message (whether the artist meant it or not) about women warriors.
      Seems we can never stop fighting for our equality, and other things.
      xoxoxoxoxoxo

          1. 6 are radical right , 3 are trying but losing out to the radical majority we definitely need term limits on SCOTUS. I understand what the forefathers were thinking but they were not expecting a fascist regime.

            1. True!
              Who would have though 1 demented criminal would take over all 3 branches of government.
              There should be an amendment – Convicted criminals may NOT run for office.

              2. When he decides he doesn’t need them they will be gone. He’s already attacked the federal judiciary and SC justices backed him. The Congress cowards will not be needed soon either.

  28. It seems impossible that she could have painted this masterpiece on those garage doors! I mean, wow! And really, who knows where the vision and inspiration for such a brilliant piece comes from? Maybe Joan of Arc was whispering in her ear.

    1. Marc!

      I missed this comment. I’m so stupid from the heat, it’s ridiculous.

      There’s no summer anymore. It goes – spring, fire, autumn. So, this painting is right on theme.

      It is quite the masterpiece, and all on a garage door. The artist’s website shows her work. She is uber talented.

      (Jays haven’t screwed up…yet)

      MUAH!

      1. Resa!

        Crazy from the heat? Maybe. You’re never ever stupid, not ever. And I join you in the craziness from this heat because I’m done with it, I’ve BEEN done with it!

        That’s IT! Spring, Fire, Autumn. The three seasons, like three acts of a fiery play. You’re so right.

        Jesus that’s wicked talent right there.

        No the Jays are keeping on.

        MUAH!

  30. When you said two guys were engaging in a conversation with you when you tried to photograph Joan of Arc, I worried that those guys were blocking your view and you ended up taking the photo with those guys in them. That would have spoiled the photo. I was relieved to see a beautifully amazing clear view of the art. Stunning. Both the art and your photo.

    1. Ha! No worries Miriam. I’d put my foot down there!
      No one gets in the way, although they did defocus me somewhat.

      I’m thrilled you got to see this fabulous piece, and leaving such a cool comment.
      Thank you!

  31. Excellent job on the photos, Resa. Regardless of what the artist intended as subject, it’s beautifully done.

    My first thought was of tarot… particularly the ace (of 1) of swords, since there is only one sword in the mural. With the suit of Swords in a tarot deck. meanings are associated with action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict.

    Take care, and big hugs.

    1. Thank you, Teagan. I always try my best when taking and presenting the photos. I want to pass on some of the feeling the art gave me.

      Yes, I can see the Ace of Swords, now that you mention it.
      “action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict.”

      Yesterday’s world, today’s world and tomorrow’s world.

      You take care too, and I am excited for tomorrow. If I arrive late, it’s because I have some medical tests in the late morning.

      Big Hugs back! (I still like Bug Higs)

  32. Stunning wall art, Resa! What a great shot, love that you shared your process in capturing these. How awesome that you met some interesting people along the way, must be cool for one of the guys to witness the artist painting it, wow! The colors, the sword and her expression would make me think of Joan of Arc, too! Thanks for sharing Olivia’s website (https://www.oliviadigregorio.com/), lots of stunning art on there.

    Bless you for sharing this! XOXO ❦ ♡ ♥

    1. It is sublime art, 100%.
      I hope I find more of her art in the street. She does have art shows, if I ever hear of one I’ll go.
      She is the second artist I have become aware of that is painting a new age renaissance version of classic art. Here I see the influence of Pre-Raphaelite & Baroque.

      Another artist of keen interest to me in this new age renaissance genre is Jesse Mockrin.

      The AGO is having an exhibition of her work in September. I’m really excited for it! https://ago.ca/exhibitions/jesse-mockrin-echo

      I Love sharing art! XOXOX

    1. Thank you Marie. I always try to bring my experience to the viewer.

      I know nothing beats seeing art in real life, but I try for second best experience.

      I have watched many artists paint in the alleys, and had the joy of attending “Paint Parties”. Here, a bunch of artists take over an alley for a weekend and each paint a wall or fence or garage door. Pizza, music (& beer sometimes) it is a fabulous time.

  35. I love your process and what an amazing piece of art, Resa! Joan of Arc is a wonderful guess, and what a treat for one of the guys to watch the artist in action. Thanks for introducing us to Olivia Di Gregorio and this stunning piece! xoxoxoxo

    1. You’re welcome Lauren!
      I adore the female warrior thing. We females need to partly think that way these days.

      Olivia is an amazing artist. Hopefully I will hear about her next show and be able to go!

      xoxo🎨xoxo

  37. Hi Resa, this is a great find. I really like the fire. I enjoy capturing fire in oil pastels which are strongly coloured. Fire is quite fascinating. The painting of the woman is also beautiful.

    1. Agree it’s a wonderful piece. Yes fire…that’s the season we are in now.
      It seems the 4 seasons have become 3 – Winter, Fire, Autumn.
      I wonder what you found in Belgium?

      1. I found a lot of street art in Brussels because I looked for it. Apparently there are 800 pieces. Somewhere hard to photograph but I did my best. What you have written about the weather is frightening. We are having a bitter winter 😳

        1. Street art is a challenge to photograph. Sun & shadows, brick, stucco wood slats & other surfaces, crooked buildings , uneven streets, etc.

          Getting good pics is satisfying.
          Oh dear, a bitter winter is a drag. Grey, cold, snow?
          The climate is a mess. 😖

            1. Lucky! No sun here most of the winter.
              It used to be grey from Dec. – Feb. Now it’s grey from late Oct. – early April.

  38. Oh my god…I’ve just been to Olivia Di Gregorio’s website and I’m blown away by some of her paintings – pure Renaissance in feel if not in technique. And I love the fact that she paints with oil on wood!

    Midjourney eat your cold little heart out!

    1. You are welcome, Michael!
      Thank you for the compliment on my photography! After all these years, I have learned a thing or 2 about taking pics of street art. I love it!
      Be well!

  40. Wow. This one gave me the chills, Resa. It made me want to cry, it’s so intense and stunningly beautiful. Yes, Joan of Arc, comes to mind immediately. She was only 17 when she led an army and 19 when she was burned at the stake. This mural captures her humanity and tragedy in a powerful way.

  41. Wow. This one gave me the chills, Resa. It made me want to cry, it’s so intense and stunningly beautiful. Yes, Joan of Arc, comes to mind immediately. She was only 17 when she led an army and 19 when she was burned at the stake. This mural captures her humanity and tragedy in a powerful way.

    1. This is an intense painting. 100%
      Besides the story of Joan of Arc, I read a lot more into it.
      Did you notice how red it is, and that I surrounded it in blue and white for the header?
      xoxo

        1. Yes I thought Joan as well.

          Then, as I was working on the post, Lady Liberty under siege, came to mind.
          Joan was French. Lady Liberty was a gift from the French. The flags of both countries are red, white and blue.

          Guess I’m making creative connections.

Comments are closed.