Pink Foxglove' 12"x18" watercolor on paper, 2025. Kevin Michael Lyon

‘Blue Orchid' 12"x18" watercolor on paper, 2025. Kevin Michael Lyon

‘Purple Iris' 12"x18" watercolor on paper, 2024. Kevin Michael Lyon

Yellow Calla Lily 12"x18" ink & watercolor on paper, 2024. Kevin Michael Lyon

Swan Love' 12"x18" watercolor & ink on paper, 2024. Kevin Michael Lyon

watercolor and ink on paper

Watercolor and ink on paper

I chose Manannán mac Lir for the final humor in this series- the Phlegmatic humor, for some obvious reasons such as they are both associated with water but also for his apparent qualities; stability - he is known to watch over the remaining Tuatha Dé Danann as well the Isle of Mann (his namesake). His cloak of Invisibility speaks to his introverted nature, often choosing to conceal and split over violence.
His calmness is displayed by his face while wielding the sword Fragarach held overhead in a display of power.

The phlegmatic humor is one of four humors in ancient medicine and is associated with the element of water, the qualities of calmness, patience, and stability.
This design incorporates flowing wave like patterns to symbolize water. The smooth lines and flowing curves also represent the qualities of calmness and patience. The repetitive pattern of the knot as well as the composition represent stability and endurance. The inward curving knot and the armor plating between the lines reflect the introverted nature of the phlegmatic humor.

I've drawn the Celtic Bear Goddess Artio & earthen elements to represent the Melancholic humor. This is one in a four-part series depicting the four humors using Celtic knotwork and mythology.

Kevin Lyon, Ink and watercolor on paper.

Finished the new Celtic design Choleric, represented by fire, the Celtic Goddess Brigid & salamanders, this is the first in a series of designs representing the 4 humors and their associations.

Watercolor and ink on paper

“Raven” woodblock print by Cassie Lyon

About Kelpies;
These murderous Scottish spirits are to blame when waters become uncrossable.
In ancient times they were believed to appear as shape shifting blue men and later they were given a female form.
The crack of their tail on the water is like thunder and there were believed to have the strength and endurance of 10 horses.
Clan MacGregor is believed to have stabled kelpies long ago.
From what I understand, more often the older depictions of kelpies had hooves rather than the clawed fins often seen today.
I am of course no authority on kelpies and would love to hear your thoughts on these awesome creatures!
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Celtic Mermaid, ink on paper by Kevin Lyon

Ink on paper