The Extension Gallery

Paintings and watercolors created over a span of many years are represented in this gallery. You will find paintings from the Sentinels of Fire series created in the 1980's/90's and paintings created in the past 11 months in the Emperial Chinese dynasty works and the newest series of Lazarus, friend of Jesus. This exhibition and storage space was created in 2022 in order to house the many art works from my old studio.

‍

Imperial Chinese series

China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, was born on 18 February in 259 BC – that’s over 2,200 years ago! Famed for his army of terracotta warriors built to protect him for eternity, the Emperor is also one of the most controversial figures in history. Seen as a visionary by some and a tyrant by others, his achievements in such a short space of time were nevertheless remarkable and far-reaching. In this painting of Qin Shi Huang I have pictured him in a traditional gold robe, a red hat after the fashion of later emperors.

Dowager Empress Cixi was the last Empress of China. I painted her as a young courtesan in modern dress. She is holding a small bouquet of flowers symbolizing her coquettish nature when young. As she grew older in the Imperial court, she became domineering and ruthless eventually becoming the first wife of Emperor Xianfeng Since he was a sickly man, he died at young age leaving no heir.  Cixi, effectively became the reigning monarch naming no successor until on her death bed when she named Zhou Yi a child of 4 as the emperor. He was the last of the Qing dynasty. His painting in this collection is of a young man with empty hands. His legs have become only sketches as if these had been cut off.

‍

Lazarus Friend of Jesus Series

Also found in the Extension Gallery are 7 paintings exploring the life of Lazarus, friend of Jesus. The first of the series depicts Jesus with Martha in a Minnesota farm house. The title describes the looks on their faces; If You Had Only Been Here. Following are the others showing Lazarus nude following his resurrection from the dead facing his family and friends. Another painting is of Jesus and Lazarus; My Best Friend. These paintings while of a religious theme are not painted in the traditional "holy atmosphere". I wanted to explore the very evocative biblical story. More to come in the series?