La Dolce Vita: The Orient

 I can't believe it's been four years since our move to the far east. I have found so much inspiration in the rich heritage that can be found in every beautiful detail, whether simple or intricate. I've had a really visually rich year; travels to Tokyo, London, Shanghai, Italy & Israel have inundated me with beauty from every side, & I'm bursting at the seams with curious new ideas for paintings. Can't wait for the next adventure!

Charmed, I'm sure.

On this fragrant Mediterranean evening, with all the grace of a ballerina; she is carefully picking orange-blossoms. Across the way a little bird perched on a cypress tree introduces himself to a curious observer. The delicate & intricate pattern of leaves, blossoms & birds in the ground is directly inspired by antique Chinese techniques of mother-of-pearl inlaid in black/wine lacquer. The multi-hued flowers glint & glimmer while catching the light. The sky consists of vivid gem-hues of turquoise fading into ultramarine blues. 

This painting is circular in shape & measures 31.5" inches & is available FOR SALE SOLD. 

Flora + Fauna no.3

A barefoot woman is riding her regal horse across a field of delicate petals & leaves in different shades of lapis, cobalt & turquoise; set against the backdrop of a luminous sunset in brilliant shades of vermillion, garnet & magenta. This horse is painted in the style of ancient Mughal empire miniatures found in the pages of illuminated manuscripts. 

This painting measures 31.5" inches in diameter, & is 
SOLD. 

Flora + Fauna no.2

An elegant mama & son are making their journey through a menagerie of exotic blooms, foliage, birds & animals. The vivid sky is set aglow in shifting hues of delicious aquamarines & limes. The pattern is inspired by the delicate tapestries of India & bold embroidery of Mexico.

This painting is circular in shape & measures 31.5" inches & is available for sale SOLD. 

A Dream Come True

I had the thrilling honor of painting an image for the poster of a film made by one of my all-time heroes of cinema: Mohsen Makhmalbaf. From childhood his movies helped shape my cultural identity & arrested my imagination with breathtaking scenes in films like Gabbeh.  Time magazine selected Makhmalbaf's 2001 film, Kandahar, as one of top 100 films of all time. 

His fascinating latest film "The Gardener" is now being released in the U.S. See the trailer & more at the official site: http://www.thegardenerfilm.com 

The image for this poster was painted entirely by hand. Bravo to KDK Factory & Saeed Jalili for lovely design & typography work!!

Meet Under The Pagoda

This parasol-wielding lady makes her way through a garden on a bright sunny day. A reflection on my recent travels in the far east; the ground is composed of a textured lemon yellow -inspired by the beauty of intricate Japanese paper- overlaid with translucent sakura blossoms in various delicate hues. 

This painting measures 80cm x 100cm, & is available for sale SOLD. 

Adventure Awaits

I've been traveling quite a bit & gathering inspiration from some exquisite countries...My latest favorite destination was Japan, with all of it's beautiful finery, blossoms & delicate details...It was breathtaking. This painting is of my two lovely muses (Jackie & Jay), & was inspired by Rothko's ethereal blending of reds & blues, as well as Monet's almost abstract renditions of his Japanese garden in Giverny; in which he also employs that curious combination of colours.

This painting measures at 30" x 50" & is SOLD.