Daphne
# A myth-inspired figurative work where Daphne’s transformation becomes a deeply personal image of survival, autonomy and renewal.
Daphne – Contemporary Symbolism Figurative Art
Daphne reimagines the ancient myth of Daphne and Apollo through an intensely personal contemporary lens. M.S. Miller layers oil pastel, watercolor pencil and gold leaf across acid-free black mixed-media paper, surrounding a transforming figure with branching forms, crimson leaves and flashes of metallic gold. The dark ground gives the composition its dramatic depth, while cobalt blue, silver-gray and red marks create a restless sense of movement.
View at Windmill Library Art Gallery:
September 10 through November 29, 2026
Original artwork for sale:
- Artwork includes a certificate of authenticity.
- Postage inclued when shipped within the U.S.
Daphne reimagines the ancient myth of Daphne and Apollo through an intensely personal contemporary lens. M.S. Miller layers oil pastel, watercolor pencil and gold leaf across acid-free black mixed-media paper, surrounding a transforming figure with branching forms, crimson leaves and flashes of metallic gold. The dark ground gives the composition its dramatic depth, while cobalt blue, silver-gray and red marks create a restless sense of movement. In the original myth, Daphne transforms into a tree while fleeing Apollo. Expressive rather than literal, the work uses mythology as a visual language for transformation and reclaiming selfhood.
M.S. Miller is a contemporary artist whose work connects the beauty of nature with the complexities of human experience. Born in Monticello, New York, and shaped by a life lived across nine states and 23 cities, Miller draws from changing landscapes, personal experience and the emotional character of place. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University at Albany and works across watercolor, watercolor pencil, oil pastel, acrylic, printmaking and mixed media. Her influences include postmodernism, Impressionism, Renaissance and ancient art, while her subjects range from natural beauty to social and political themes. Miller's work has received recognition in juried and group exhibitions, including botanical and landscape exhibitions.
Processing Time: Orders are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days. Originals on display will ship after the exhibit ends. Orders for works produced in Acrylic Kodacolor HD take approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
Delivery Time: Shipments typically take 7 to 10 business days.
Packaging: Artwork ships fully insured.
Shipping Costs: Included in the price for shipping to addresses within the USA. For more information regarding shipping, please refer to our shipping policy.
Returns: We want you to love your artwork — and we pack and ship each piece with care. If something’s not right, we’ll work with you to make it right. Please see our return policy for details.
Symbolic Figurative Art for Bold, Collected Interiors
Purchase a signed original or limited edition print now.
Free shipping within the USA.
- Summary
- Styling Tips
Artwork Summary
Artist: M. S. Miller
Title: Daphne
Year: 2025
Medium: Oil Pastel, Watercolor Pencil, Gold Leaf
Availability: Original + Limited Edition of 100 Giclée Prints
How to Style this Artwork in Your Space
Daphne is designed to hold attention. Its black ground, cobalt blue marks, saturated reds and metallic gold make it particularly effective against warm white, charcoal, deep blue or softly neutral walls. Natural walnut, blackened wood, aged brass and simple sculptural furnishings complement the work without competing with its expressive surface.
The original’s vertical format works well in a study, reading room, bedroom, entryway or collected living space where the figure can be viewed at close range. In a more maximalist interior, its red and gold accents can connect naturally with layered textiles and objects. In a restrained contemporary room, allow generous wall space around the piece so the branching forms and figure become the focal point.
Because the work carries both mythological and personal meaning, it is especially suited to spaces where art is meant to invite reflection rather than simply coordinate with décor.
