In creating this painting, Professor Somwong was impressed by the atmosphere of Doi Mae Salong located in Mae Salong Nok Sub-district, Mae Fah Luang District of Chiang Rai province in 2019. The artist observed the magnificence of this beautiful view all through the morning, afternoon, evening and until dusk. Amongst this ambiance bursting with color over the vast area, many activities and stories can be unfolded involving temples, factories, and houses scattered in patches over the land below. Some areas are covered with clusters of trees while others are used for agriculture comprising both planted areas and some that are in the process of being prepared for planting, all appearing flat across the landscape. In addition, there is a dirt road whose winding paths climb and twist around the hills with the main purpose of transporting agricultural products. Once in a while there will be a vehicle traveling along the road. All these elements represent the real beauty and way of life that Professor Somwong observed and depicted in the painting on that particular day.

Colors that reflect different times of the day coupled with colors from all objects unravel the story of the mountain. They are all dominated by the colors of time which have been carefully captured by delicate and small brush strokes overlapping a multitude of layers on the canvas.

About the Artist

Professor Somwong Tupparat

Professor Somwong Tupparat holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree of Fine Arts (Painting) from Silpakorn University. The artist places emphasis on conveying perceptions, emotions, and feelings through the technique of subtle overlapping colors to bring about a sense of peace and calm. Without adhering to shapes and forms, colors are used to create a perception of real objects, and not just an impression. The power of light colors evokes not only a feeling of tranquility but also beauty. Various points in time that can be seen clearly according to natural phenomena, whether different times of the day or seasons, are all related and intertwined creating unending activity and change. This state of constant movement and activity is reflected in the works of Professor Somwong and has become the artist’s hallmarks.