Sacred art carries memory, meaning, and devotion. When I paint Catholic, Orthodox, and Hindu subjects, I begin by listening—to the tradition, to the symbols, and to the quiet feeling that lives behind each image. My aim is to honor what is timeless while inviting a contemporary viewer to come close.
Grounded in Tradition
Every piece starts with research. I study attributes, gestures, and color meanings: the tenderness of the Madonna and Child, the commanding calm of Christ Pantocrator, the lyrical grace of Krishna, the luminous presence of Hindu goddesses. I note what should not change—halos, hand positions, garments—and where a personal voice can enter through palette shifts, edges, and atmosphere.
Drawing and Structure
Before paint, I draw. Sketches help me simplify forms and set the rhythm of the composition. A clear drawing allows the figure to feel inevitable, as if it has always been there. Often these studies become finished works themselves, especially when the subject asks for restraint.
Light, Color, and Presence
Color is theology in sacred art. Golds and deep blues, cinnabar reds and earthy greens carry meaning as well as mood. I choose colors to build an inner glow rather than a theatrical shine. Light is placed with care on faces, hands, and folds so the image seems to breathe.
A Contemporary Quiet
I favor calm backgrounds and natural expressions. This quietness helps viewers meet the subject without distance or ornament for ornament’s sake. The goal is not to modernize a tradition, but to let it speak clearly—today.