The inspiration for, and first piece in my “Two Scholars” Series (which includes Scholars on Stepping Stones and Scholars on a Bridge, and Two Scholars and the Moon). It started as a custom commission to create something "in the spirit" of my "Sampans in a Clouded Gorge," which is a large wall scroll to really make a visual statement but won't fit in every space. A few parameters for this commission: a small space requires a small composition - 8x10, 11x14, etc. We like cliffs! And mist! And do you do bridges? Cuz we don't really like boats.

This is the resulting composition: Scholars in a Clouded Gorge. Measuring 8 x 10 (to fit an 11 x 14 frame), it is available as a fine art print on the ultra luxe velvet Moab paper; OR as an original ink painting, which will be painted to order. PLEASE NOTE ALL ORIGINAL INK PAINTINGS ARE ONE OF A KIND. Composition will be the same, but details will differ, which is really the beauty of having an original piece.

Painted on “Jade Plate” paper, which is the paper of choice for landscape paintings, original artworks will come silicone-backed and matted in a black-core white matte, ready for framing in any standard 11x14 inch frame you choose. Basic black is always a nice choice, but so is antique gold, Chinese red, bamboo, etc.

Paired with calligraphy that reads "My path is mine to me. I treasure it and follow it to the end." It means that while we may have companions along the way, no person can walk our path for us, nor can we walk any path but our own. To fully step into the mantle of your own journey (fully inhabiting it, and without squawking, judging, wishing, sighing) is the highest calling one can answer, and the greatest form of respect we can give ourselves and the people and forces that gave us life in the first place. This painting should remind you that no matter the steep cliff faces you may encounter, nor the mist that may cloud your path along the way, your path *is* your own and should be embraced for all that it brings you to.