river flow

Rivers are a continuous source of inspiration for Javanese artist Aldi because "they flow through the forest to give life to all living things." Working with acrylic paints on canvas, he creates a serene impressionist-style composition of an exuberant forest divided by the river with the sun shining bright in the sky and some tree leaves already changing colors as a sign of the upcoming autumn season.

The river Ganges is as majestic as a Hindu deity--that is why it is actually personified as Ganga, the goddess of purification and forgiveness. In this striking folk painting done in classic Madhubani style, renowned Indian artist Bharti Dayal recreates the legend of Shiva holding Ganga on his head to let an outlet for the river to flow freely and reach all humans with its purifying water. God Shiva is known by the name of Gangadhar in this representation created with acrylic paint and vegetable dyes on handmade paper.

The quiet atmosphere in the forest is suddenly disturbed by the flow of a waterfall that makes its way through with vigorous force to once again become one with the river. Crafted by Javanese artist Aldi using acrylic paints on canvas, this lovely impressionistic landscape conveys peace, tranquility and harmony.

"The cool river water that goes through the forest flows beautifully while enlivening the ecosystem at the same time," says Javanese artist Aldi who specializes in impressionistic landscape paintings. His passion for nature is poured into this remarkable composition crafted with acrylic paints on canvas, so tranquil and serene you can almost hear the murmur of the water and feel the wind blowing through the trees.

Superbly drawn, a woman poses on her toes, resting her forearms on her knees as she turns slightly to gaze at the viewer. A rainbow of colors illuminates her youthful contours as she emerges from a deep red background. Aricadia paints this radiant figure study. "The life of a model and an artist is like an adventure," he muses. "Where she is, love will always find her. Enjoy life, and flow with the river to the ocean, which is full of love."

This richly textured abstract painting celebrates the layered rhythms found in nature and landscape. Executed in watercolor on paper, Indian artist Shikha Kaistha’s captivating composition is built through horizontal bands of pattern, color and movement, creating a visual cadence that flows across the surface like geological strata or cultivated fields seen from above. Deep earthy reds and browns are interwoven with striking blues, ochres and soft neutrals, while repeating dots, grids and linear motifs add structure and harmony. Gentle, undulating lines weave through the bands, suggesting rivers, pathways or natural currents that bind the elements together. The tactile quality of the cold-pressed paper enhances the watercolor’s depth, allowing each layer to retain its individuality while contributing to the overall rhythm.

Seated on a tiger, Shiva lifts a hand in blessing. Regarded as the celestial overlord of deliverance through destruction, Shiva has his customary trident by his side as a show of divinity. The hissing cobra that slithers around his head symbolizes his potent divine destructivity, and his matted hair is thought to contain the flow of the Ganges River. Shiva is one of the most complex gods of India, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. Unaffected by the whims of the world, he is innocent and guileless, pure of mind and heart. He does not adorn his body with jewels or flowers — he mats his hair and dresses in animal hide.

Ida Bagus Lawa Bargawa is a master of the batik technique, sketching the figures by hand and applying the wax resist freehand, which requires great skill. A different dye bath is required for each separate color in his elegant and complex batik "painting."

Like pebbles in the bed of a forest river, verdant motifs decorate these cotton pants from Bali. Saktut Raitawati creates these pants, which are meticulously printed by hand using a screen printing technique.

Exquisitely hand-painted and carved from jempinis wood in Bali, this splendid jewelry box will transport you to an enchanted forest. Artisan Gusti Ngurah Semarajaya’s alluring design showcases a magical scene where butterflies, trees, plants, flowers and a river are beautifully depicted in a palette of green, blue, yellow, brown, black and white hues, leaving exposed some of the rich wood grains. Lined with faux black velvet, the box boasts a pull-out drawer to keep your cherished jewelry organized.

Amid the green refuge of Chirtrakoot, Rama and Sita live in tranquility and equilibrium, free from the vices of the kingdom they chose to leave behind. United in their life of exile, they gaze into the Mandakini River below, abounding with flowers, fish and birds. Immediately to the left of Sita, two songbirds mimic the relationship of the deities. Appearing without shadows or perspective, this Madhubani painting achieves a perception of space through the scale of the distant fish and distribution of assets, namely the flowers in the high background, suggesting a steep landscape, backed up by a dividing line to the left of Sita, that hints towards rolling hills over the riverbank.

Indian artist Bharti Dayal triumphs in her depiction of both Hindu deities, capturing the essence of the Goddess of beauty and the embodiment of dharma with her arrangement of flowing shapes and naturally occurring colors. Dedicated to modernizing one of the most iconic painting styles of India, Dayal creates this painting drawing on experience gained throughout her portfolio numbering in the thousands.

"Madhubani paintings are in fact a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace; the quest of all beings," Dayal says.