"Trumpet Vine Blossoms'', Watercolor & ink on paper, 40×51 cms, by David Kurani

Flowers of Lebanon

new art work series by David Kurani

From the artist:  I love painting landscapes and nature - just going outside and looking at it is medicine for my soul. I feel palpably better after gazing at it. To try and capture some of its beauty and upbuilding effects can be both a challenge and a relaxation at the same time. And I feel happy contentment if I am able to capture some of it and bring it inside to those who cannot go outside so much, or to the particularities of that interesting place/time/light.

Of course God is behind it all. The scenery is his handwriting, the weather his mood, the appreciation of them his inspiration and the creative process his impulse built on his precedent. I am reminded of a thought offered by Bernard of Clairvaux which goes, in effect: "The beauty around us is meant to remind us of, and point us towards, the perfection of beauty in its author and creator, our God." I thank God every time I finish a picture; I feel each one is a gift from him.

"Poppies", watercolor on paper, 44×62 cms, by David Kurani

Note: That's the corner of the Franciscan monastery I go to attend the liturgy - so the scarecrow is dressed in a (faded) Franciscan robe. Which is a little funny because scarecrows are supposed to scare away birds but since St Francis reportedly attracted them one wonders which way the birds might go (!)

"Hollihocks", Watercolor & ink, 50×72 cms, by David Kurani




"Wysteria Blooms", watercolor on paper, 40×51cms, by David Kurani
(Beirut is barely seen in the distance)

"Queen Anne's Lace", watercolor,  50×72 cms, by David Kurani

David is a noted Lebanese landscape artist. He teaches classes in art and theater at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. David has exhibited widely in art galleries and private collections throughout Lebanon, Europe, and the USA. He and his wife Gisele are active members of the People of God in Lebanon, a member community of the Sword of the Spirit.