February 2007 - Vol. 5


David with his aquarelles (watercolors) captures the natural beauty of Portugal's landscape

Nature Painted with Grace

paying homage to the beauty of God’s creation

by David Kurani


a noted Lebanese landscape artist shares his faith and vision 
for extolling God’s handiwork

David and his wife, Gisele, live in Antelias, Lebanon with their three sons. Their high-rise apartment, which overlooks the Mediterranean sea and Beirut skyline, is a living art gallery of Davids landscape work over the past 30 years. David has exhibited widely in art galleries and private collections throughout Lebanon, Europe, and the USA. David and his family are active members of the People of God in Lebanon, a member community of The Sword of the Spirit. David is one of the founding members of the People of God since its inception in 1975.
Artist Statement

“I think it was John Singer Sargent who said, ‘An artist is he who has to paint.’ If that is the criteria, then I qualify, although I’m not a  full-time painter. I teach classes in art and theatre in the American University of Beirut, and presently am Chairperson of the Department of Fine Arts and Art History.

“Painting landscapes, I feel, is my way of paying homage to the beauty of God’s creation. With the inclusion of buildings and roads, etc., I feel I can celebrate, on paper, the relation of God and Man. That is a favorite theme of mine.  I believe that art is a gift from God in the first place. So, isn’t it appropriate to use it to extol his handiwork?”

Artist website: http://www.rc.net/wcc/art/kurani.htm
 


Capo da Roca, Portugal,  watercolor

About the Artwork
“Capo da Roca” is the name of a rocky promontory in Portugal, that they say is the westernmost tip of Europe - even further west than Ireland. Crowned with a lighthouse, it was, for me, a subject that connects several themes which I find meaningful - the saving of lives, security, warning, guidance through dark conditions, and, of course, light. 

While painting, terrific wind sent my equipment flying a few times but it was as exhilarating as being on the prow of a ship. The sun burst through just when I needed it, and as I finished, the weather closed in and a few raindrops marked the picture - nature completing art!


Winter Roses - watercolor


View from the roof top - oil painting


“The Oak that Emigrated with the Storks”
watercolor [click image to see large version]

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