Lotus_Flower of Thailand_Symbol of Buddhism

In May we were fortunate to spend time with extended family in Thailand. We were often near rivers or on river boats and saw the beautiful lotus plants that are so prevalent in Thailand.

Lotus in Thai is called "dok bua" and is recognized as not only the country's most common flower but also is the traditional flower of Buddhism. In Buddhist art, the Buddha is sometimes portrayed from birth to enlightenment as walking, sitting, standing and attaining enlightenment on a lotus.

There are four stages of the lotus that correspond to the growth of a human being. When one is uneducated and lacking in wisdom, we are like the seed in the mud. Then we progress to the bud, emerging wisdom and soon to the flower and the completely open bloom as it breaks the surface of the water, it signifies Nirvana.

Coming in the fall there will be a show, "Linear Visions" with the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society, and I hope to have a painting in that show. At present the SCVWS is showing work at the Los Altos Library and in August a show will be at the Norton Gallery in Palo Alto. Look on the SCVWS website for details. www.scvws.org

Thailand: exotic but accessible

The reason I was not writing a blog for a two week period, was I was in Thailand in May, returning May 27th. Although I had been to Thailand before, this was a personal journey with special people, now part of our family. Thailand has so much to offer the tourist with fabulous food, friendly people and exotic sights.

I chose not to photograph very much. Mostly I sketched and jotted notes in a journal. Many artists do this well. I tried this for my first time. I need more practice. Here are two images.

The first is a picture of the "floating market".

The second is a sketch of rambutan and mangosteen. I particularly liked taking the husk off mangosteen to eat the soft, white fruit inside.

This month there is the show at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. The website: http://www.marinmoca.org/
The address is: 500 Palm Drive, Novato, CA this does not deal with Thailand, but with art that uses "found material." this is a fun show.