This article is written by Gloria Malouf-Marsh.

This artwork is a rock formation on a large backdrop at a tourist sight in Hanoi, Vietnam, when we were touring in May.  The initial composition was quite different to my own interpretation.  This work has been a challenge for me. The background mountain colors were all blending together.  The tree gave a focus of stability, grounding, and the base of the tree reminded me of the individual standing on a strong fortress of confidence and self-esteem in life.

I kept to the colors of quinacridone magenta, white and cerulean blue and worked on making different shades of lighter and darker contrasts, but chose to work with the pastels shades – pale pink, darker pink, pale mauve, pale blue etc, which created a very peaceful end result. I also worked with texture building paste, as this is one of my first attempts, and I’m starting to be more confident with it.

The two pagodas portrayed a history that is in keeping with the culture and religion in Vietnam.  The pagodas represents places of worship and religious significance that’s prevalent in common in Nepal, India, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Burma and other parts of Asian culture. We discovered many pagodas; each one portrayed a history of religious and cultural significance. I used texture paste to create depth and perspective.  The pagodas were raised up high on hilltops that gave them a sense of ageless time overlooking this peaceful and tranquil haven.

In Taoist philosophy the study of animals were significant and their movements and each animal depicted symbolic meaning.  As for geese in Traditional Chinese Medicine, geese are sacred, very inspiring and resourceful; cranes have balance and graceful movements, etc. Practically speaking, a swan is a heavenly version of the humble goose. I cut geese pictures and used collage in this medium and painted over them, with the three colors I chose from the beginning.

This painting took me deep into my imagination, I was totally absorbed and it took me back to the beauty, the history and the very interesting places I visited. This is my second time back and I developed an appreciation of the culture and the people very much.

I’m putting more time and effort in my days creating and painting and I’m discovering so many aspects about myself I was not aware of – patience, discipline and talent.  I always maintain it’s not the destination that counts but the journey getting there that is the recipe to a very happy and fulfilling life.

Keeping creating!

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My name is Gloria Malouf-Marsh. I live in Brisbane, Australia, with my husband Greg and my daughter Salwa . Among my many interests are singing, playing the piano, cooking, doing voluntary work and I have a passion for studying Ayurveda and Taoism, both ancient Indian and Chinese philosophies.  I also am a Yoga Chi Gung Teacher. Springtime is glorious in Brisbane. I rise early and go for brisk walks, do my yoga practice and I’m inspired to face the day with inspiration and confidence. I get creative ideas for painting when I’m in nature. I love listening to nature’s sounds and watching and hearing the birds.

I am developing discipline in creating and making time for myself to daily paint. I seem curious to want to further my techniques.  I’m working with the building texture  mediums. It gives my imagination space, open up to new attitudes and I lose myself in this amazing healing world – new opportunities open up and we go from strength to strength. A sense of confidence and enjoyment has developed with me regarding honing my skills and techniques in the art medium, and I do enjoy this website so much.  Hearing peoples’ ideas and seeing their talents, just simply amaze me.  It is a special global family.   I hope to be taking up some extra art classes as I feel this will broaden my scope of techniques.  I find classes are a very good positive influence for me.  If I can create, so can you! Enjoy!

Emails are welcome at Gloria@radiantpathways.com.au