Heart of Fire - Howl's Moving Castle

This work is part of my Studio Ghibli-inspired collection, and stems from my fascination with Howl's Moving Castle : a film where magic, identity, and transformation advance at the same pace as that wandering castle full of life.

While working on this painting, I revisited some of my favorite scenes: the castle's relentless march through the mountains, Calcifer's intimate fire holding Howl's heart, and that moment suspended in time when Sophie and Howl float among stars and fragments of magic. The film has always struck me as a visual metaphor for learning to be yourself amidst chaos.

To create the figure and pose of the main character in my composition, I asked my young son to pose for me. His gestures, his naturalness, and the way he moved helped me capture that blend of vulnerability and strength that I find so moving about Howl. It was a special moment of working together as a family, and that feeling is now reflected in the painting.

This work is not a literal reproduction, but a personal interpretation of Miyazaki's universe: the movement, the changing light, the deep tones, and the atmosphere full of mystery. Painting it in oils allowed me to work with layers, glazes, and textures that evoke both the magic of the castle and the inner journey of its characters.

– Oil on canvas
– Unique piece
– Signed, varnished and with certificate of authenticity

Perfect for collectors looking for an original work that combines fantasy, emotion and contemporary painting.