Two paintings, two artists - can you note the differences and similarites? Are the brush strokes, colors, and design and composition reflective of the artists' moods and personalities?
In the first painting, I depict many conflicting emotions, represented in the calmness and serenity of the buddha head on one side and the opposing fierce and wrathful demeanor of the Tibetan protector god. The red face in the rear, on a pillow, is a bit whimsical. Other symbols abound, including the prayer candle, the lotus and the offering of oranges to the Buddha (he's a vegetarian). Lord Vishnu is vaguely depicted in front of a blue japanese umbrella, and though one may ask why I mix Hindu and Buddhist theologies, I must point out that Hinduism is a very inclusive faith. In fact, the Buddha is considered but one of the many avatars, or incarnations of Vishnu. The red "V" above the oranges is Himalyan Coral, which I trekked back with from Snow Mountain, and the head of the medicine buddha pokes out from behind the sacred lotus. Yellow prayer beads encircle his neck.
The second work, painted by my friend Dawn, demonstates more selectiveness of the included elements. The broad and harmonious swaths of color and simplified mythical figures are reminiscent of the lyricism of Gauguin. I assisted Dawn in creating a sense of solidity and three dimensionality of the oranges in the foreground which I feel creates a tense dialogue with the red faced demon in the background, now merely a flattened, yet powerful pattern. The overall effect is one of serenity and spirituality. The exciting colors are a fitting tribute to the colorist movement, represented by Kandinsy and others, of the early 20th century.
