Saturday, February 12, 2011

Climbing the Dragon Gate

Climbing the Dragon Gate
Medium: Watercolors
Size: 12x17 inches
Prints and Original available -here-
Detail closeup views -here-
Original sketch available -here-

In Chinese and Japanese legend the lowly carp spends its life trying to swim up the Yellow River. At the source of the river is a great roaring waterfall. If the koi were able to swim up that waterfall, it would be rewarded and transformed into a dragon. Thus, the koi is a symbol of personal advancement, perseverance, determination in the face of impossible obstacles, and inner strength. The journey of the carp to become a dragon was a metaphor for young scholars passing the Chinese state exams and become a mandarin.

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Dana is amused by this painting. He says it looks like all the carp are saying, "HORRAY! You made it!!! Go go dragoncarp!!!"
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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Magnificent painting with a splendid tale to match! Love the oriental dragon, koi and jade-green water.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    THERE IS SO MUCH FLUIDITY IN EVERY PAINTING YOU CREATE & EVERY PAINTING CREATES A CALMING AFFECT WHEN I SEE THEM.
    I REALLY LOVE YOUR WORK.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Yes ...I got to agree the fluidity in this painting is wonderfuly, and the detail is a marvel too look at.
    Steph here`s a little valentine for you and Clair, I think, I speak for all your fans, and say we love you! ...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzUAkfjDxG0
    P,s keep your hubby on his toes:)

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  4. Stephanie Pui-Mun LawFebruary 13, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Aw, thanks! :)

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    If I were one of the seven Dwarfs, I`d be between Dopey,Bashful now ha!...

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    And once again Im blown away, altough i think your previous one (with the dragon and unicorn)is the best one you ever done. Actually, from the beginning I did not like this one that much cause I think the green of the sky an hill do not mix with the cold blueish green of the sea, but still I cant take my eyes of it. The dragon is beautiful, love it, the flow is amazing. And I like the myth that goes with it. Actually it would be wonderful to have a book about myths with your illustrations. Or rather a book about your artwork and mytholocial stories to each picture. And I will hope, hope that one day I will see this book in stores. I will look for it!

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