Icons of the Great Tradition

Photo of Nara Painting Garland of Whales

Throughout my childhood I had access to many illustrated books about the gods and goddesses of India and the Himalayas. I was also immersed in the art and writings of the ancient sacred traditions of Europe, Africa, and the native peoples of the Americas. I read the stories of the Mahabarata and the Upanishads with as much wonder and delight as I found in the legends and traditions of the Native Americans. I was fortunate to grow up with the paintings and sculpture of these traditions surrounding me. The artwork and stories brought the great beings depicted in them to life. It was almost like I knew them personally. I admired their strength and clarity, I wondered at their feats and failings; their great adventures.

In this series I am portraying these icons of the spiritual traditions. I paint the figures in sumi ink, the simplicity of the black and white lends a purity of form. I paint natural scenes surrounding them, with flowers or other symbolic details that they are associated with.

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Open-Handed, Too

I have never been to Hong Kong, but I have looked at many images of the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. The Big Buddha is particularly interesting because of the view from below the statue. This image of Buddha is depicted in "Abhaya Mudra" which refers to the position of the hands. The right hand, raised with open palm turned outward, partially obscuring the Buddha’s serene face, is a very potent representation of this icon of world religion. I added pink lotuses into the foreground which are symbolic of the Buddha’s realization.
Purchase
Open-Handed, Too
Limited Edition Giclée Print $150

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Open-Handed, Too” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Open-Handed, Too
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   18" x 12"
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Gopi Beneath Bodhi Tree

This painting, like "Open-Handed, Too", is inspired by a statue of one of the six attendants to Tian Tan Buddha. She is offering her spiritual master a plate of fruit. She is a "deva", and is depicted in a Buddhist form. Deva, however, is a term that is used in both Buddhism and Hinduism, and so I call her "gopi", referring to the "gopis of Vrindavan", the female devotees of Krishna.
Purchase
Gopi Beneath Bodhi Tree
Limited Edition Giclée Print $150

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Gopi Beneath Bodhi Tree” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Gopi Beneath Bodhi Tree
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   18" x 12"
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Garden of Ganesh

Ganesh (or Ganesha) is a Hindu deity that I have loved since I was a child. Elephant-headed deities have a natural appeal, don't you think? He is a remover of obstacles and patron of the arts. I depict this image of Ganesh in his garden. Hibiscus are associated with him, one of his favorite flowers. So, I have placed some in the foreground.
Purchase
Garden of Ganesh
Limited Edition Giclée Print $150

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Garden of Ganesh” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Garden of Ganesh
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   18" x 12"
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Rasa Prelude

This painting depicts the Hindu deity, Krishna. The Rasa Leela is the story of Krishna and the gopis, or female cowherds. One night Krishna manifested himself to each of the one hundred and eight gopis individually and was the perfect consort to each. The gopis have not arrived on the scene, and Krishna prepares to call them with his flute.
Purchase
Rasa Prelude
Limited Edition Giclée Print $150

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Rasa Prelude” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Rasa Prelude
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   18" x 12"
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Menehune

In my mind I was seeing the image of a sculpture of the Buddha seen from an unusual angle. I was picturing the ear of the Buddha being prominent, with the face obscured by vegetation. I liked the idea of seeing this Buddha as if you were walking through the jungle and came upon it unexpectedly. Soon after this idea formed I went to a family reunion on the island of Kauai. There I spent time walking the island, swimming, paddle boarding, and participating in a traditional luau complete with hula and fire dancers. I reconnected with the place and the people. On the plane ride back to California I started sketching this image of the Buddha, and something of the feeling of old Hawaii came through. When the painting was complete I showed it to an old friend who had lived on Kauai for many years. He suggested the name "Menehune" for the painting. It seemed perfect.

"Hawaiian legend has it that many centuries ago, the Menehune were a mischievous group of small people, or dwarfs, who lived in the forests and valleys of the islands before the first settlers arrived from Polynesia. These Menehune, who roamed the deep forests at night, were said to be about two feet (60cm) tall, though some were as tiny as six inches (15cm), small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. The Menehune have been known to use magic arrows to pierce the heart of angry people, igniting feelings of love instead. They also enjoy cliff diving, and according to local lore, they were smart, extremely strong and excellent craftsmen. They were rarely seen by human eyes, and they are credited with mighty feats of engineering and overnight construction."

Purchase
Menehune
Limited Edition Giclée Print $200

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

Menehune
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   24" x 18"
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Green Tara

This detail of Green Tara is taken from a photograph of a Nepalese repoussé statue. The metal fabrication, raising, chasing, and engraving work of the Himalayan monks of Tibet and Nepal has always astounded me. They were masters of the highest degree. Yet, they are unknown. Their work is never signed, as they do not work for fame or fortune. Mastering their skills and using them to honor their sacred tradition is their spiritual practice.

Green Tara is a Bodhisattva of compassion and action. She holds a blue lotus as she is associated with the moon and night.

Purchase
Green Tara
Limited Edition Giclée Print $150

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Green Tara” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Green Tara
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   12" x 9"
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Open Handed

This painting was inspired during an afternoon at a house near Jenner on the Sonoma coast. I came around the corner of the house to see the sun setting over the ocean. There was a mask hanging on the wall, but the sun was so bright in my eyes I could not discern much detail in the mask, it appeared to be darkened in all the light. The profile of the mask seemed to be peering out over the sea. I liked the vision, so I painted it.
Purchase
Open Handed
Limited Edition Giclée Print $200

Giclée prints of original paintings are limited to 54 reproductions.

Giclées are printed on Cold Press Bright White paper; 310g, water-resistant, and made from 100% cotton fiber. It is both acid and lignin free.

Giclées are sold unframed.

All purchases are processed through PayPal. Shipping charges are included in the total. The cost of shipping is not calculated by PayPal until a purchase is made. Shipping costs for a giclée print are calculated by distance from California and rarely exceed $10.00 when shipped domestically. 8.5% sales tax is applied to all sales originating in California.

The framed original of “Open-Handed” is available. To see the painting mounted and in its frame, and for information on how to purchase the painting click here.
Open Handed
Watercolor/Sumi Ink on Paper   24" x 18"