Karen Coles and Betty Lou Hendrickson’s paintings together form Genesis II, a brand new exhibition at the Full of Beans restaurant in George Town.

The work of both artists is very varied, but focuses on landscapes and seascapes, with some still life paintings as well as human figures too. Ms. Hendrickson has also produced some circular abstract paintings, called “Mandalas.”

“Mandala is a Sanscrit word used to describe a circle design,” she explained. “Because they are symbolic, and symbols contain many layers of meaning, mandalas can simultaneously express and integrate experiences and feelings.

“I started to take art seriously several years ago when I had the opportunity to take part in a workshop that explored the drawing of a Mandala as a spiritual practice, which I understood as a meditation practice. I find that painting has continued to feed my soul and my focus on the world around me.

“My ambition as an artist is to continue to paint and inspire others to learn about the joy of painting and other forms of artwork to enhance their world and their true inner self.”

Karen Coles has a series of simple, but elegant, studies of bright red poppies and their stems. Her work encompasses a dramatic study of a pathway into a wood, with the viewer being drawn into the centre of the painting by clever mastery of perspective.

Ms Coles also has a striking seascape, with layers of brilliant white foam appearing to catch the sunlight and moving the painting towards the abstract.

“My interest in art stemmed from a curiosity as to how someone could replicate an image on paper.  I had not studied art at school and honestly had no idea how it could be done.  It is still a complete fascination for me and I just love seeing how a painting starts to come to life as you put pencil or paint on the canvas and then it seems to take on a life of its own,” she said.

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