Bonsai

Mixed media

20" X 24"

Portrait of the artist's brother, David MacBean

Selected for 'Artists'' Choice' show at Federation Gallery, February 2 - 14, 2016

Voted Favourite Painting at the Burnaby Artists' Guild's Fall Show, October 2016

The artist's brother David is an avid practitioner of the art of bonsai and here, he is trimming a baby bonsai, a maple sapling. The Japanese symbols in the background spell out these words: bonsai, tree, sapling, art or skill, mind or spirit, as well as others relevant to the art. I have chosen warm golden colours to evoke a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere, conducive to meditation and tranquillity.