paintings

Deep in meditation, Buddha is a serene presence in this elegant portrait by Sakchai. The artist selects a monochrome palette of grey and white, except for the golden Urna between his eyebrows. It represents a third eye, permitting him to see beyond the earthly world and into the spiritual world. The artist focuses on the brushstrokes rather than color to achieve images with simplicity and clarity, in this case, suggesting Buddha's breath and emphasizing the ethereal nature of spirituality.

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, filled with breathtaking ancient temples, pagodas and other architectural wonders constructed to worship Buddha. In Thailand images of Buddha play an important role beyond mere decoration. They are traditionally placed within the home in special locations, such as shrines or pedestals, to help facilitate everyday religious worship.

Seeking out a very special flower, a butterfly floats on the breeze. Preeti Gupta in India paints this original composition in acrylics on canvas.

Regal and powerful, an elephant strides purposefully through the golden darkness beneath a full moon. Tanachai Ekuruchaitep depicts the mighty pachyderm in the style of ancient paintings. Once favored by the kings of old Siam, the elephant became a national emblem seen on royal thrones as well as on the national flag. Fascinated by the history and culture of Thailand, Ekuruchaitep wishes for his art to bring continuance of the past.

Gazing at a gentle dove, Buddha sends a message of peace. Fragrant incense veils his features in smoke in this beautiful painting by Sunil Jaiswal. The face of the Enlightened One is bathed in a golden glow.

Ganesha reveals his presence in this painting like a mystical apparition. He is holding one hand up with Om written on his palm, and in the other his favorite dessert. A mouse, his mystical vehicle, enjoys the same dessert by his side. Sunil Jaiswal captures Ganesha's divine nature by including Shiva's Trishul on his forehead. Painting with acrylics, Jaiswal includes golden shading to this grey and black composition.

Fragrant incense veils his features in clouds of smoke as Ganesha lifts a hand in blessing. On his palm, the "Om" symbol of Lord Shiva flourishes like ancient calligraphy. This mantra is used in mystical contemplation of ultimate reality and is considered the resonant body of the absolute. Sunil Jaiswal works in grey and black, adding details in vibrant red, the color of auspiciousness.