The theme of Kristin Paulson’s show is Asian Inspiration.   She has captured scenes of everyday life in Tibet, eastern cities in China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore that show a love of the calm moments in the day.  There is no urgency in her subject matter.  Her paintings depict peaceful places and people, and give one a sense of serenity.  She finds tremendous beauty in the rich colors of Asia:  in the fabrics of the monks’ robes, the lush greenery of the jungle and the vibrant colors on Tibetan doors.

Kristin Paulson has a style of watercolor painting in which she uses rich color and contrast to depict light and shadow.  Her photographs of daily life across China, including Tibet, as well as India and several countries in SE Asia, became the studies for her paintings.  Her paintings often depict people and quiet moments during her favorite time of day, which is late afternoon, when the light is warm, the shadows are long, and the day quiets down. 

She was inspired by the beautiful and varied doors in Tibet’s capital city, Lhasa, which are ornately decorated to welcome in the good spirits and keep out the bad.  She painted local Tibetan people showing the character of their faces and their dress and unique traditions.

Her travels took her to Laos, where the monks at Luang Prabang quietly line up each morning to receive food from  local aunties.  In Vietnam, she was intrigued by the hard working ladies who guide the old boats through the Mekong River day after day, and the sweetness of a young girl on her bicycle passing a parade of ducks who must also be heading home at the end of the day.  Angkor Face was inspired by the majestic temples in Siem Reap.

Old Delhi’s sights and sounds provided a fascinating glimpse into practices and modes of transportation that have been a way of life for generations.  Singapore’s shophouses provide a colorful tribute to the varied details of colonial architecture which punctuate the plain modern buildings that surround it.  Traditional market scenes carry on in Asia despite all the progress, and show a simpler, slower take on life that appeals to those of us who spend so much time in a rush.

For Kristin, Asia is a region of endless inspiration, and one that teaches us about the importance of serenity and natural beauty.