Ajahn Achalo’s Watercolour Art

Lotus Art - paintings by Ajahn Achalo
"I had made a decision to take on the painting of lotuses in watercolour towards the end of October in the year 2022. There seemed to be so much bad news in the world and In felt that I needed an additional skillful means to brighten the mind, and consistent reminders to keep ‘rising above the mud’. The lotus is a symbol of transcendence and of Enlightenment in Buddhism. As I was starting this new discipline without any experience at all, I knew that I would have to be determined and consistent if I were to develop any skill. So I made a vow to paint at least 100 lotus, and to complete at least 1000 hours. I did not set a time frame within which to fulfill the vows. Once I had finished the 100 lotus, I had still not fulfilled the time requirement, and so I began to explore a few other subjects often painted in Buddhist art. Namely bamboo, pine branches, peony and magnolia. It has been an interesting and rewarding practice. I have been training myself to be aware of my breathing even while painting, and have observed that it is now easier to be more consistently aware of the breath all throughout the day while doing many different activities. I am also pleased to see that the painting itself has improved over the past two years. I hope that you find these images uplifting too."
Ajahn Achalo

Ajahn Achalo’s Lotus Art, 2024

Three Montages of Lotus Watercolour Painting

 << click each image for light box >>

Cultivating a Lotus Watercolour Painting Practice
Watercolour Painting highlights, 2024

- 29 September 2024