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This piece is inspired by Chinese Theatre. Two hundred years ago an art form like no other emerged out of China's rich entertainment history that captured the hearts and minds of nobles and common-folk alike. Known as the Peking Opera, or Beijing Opera, this art form required stringent training of martial arts, singing, acting, and acrobatics from performers who were hand picked at a very young age. Adorned by elaborate and colorful costumes, the Dan, or female performers brought popular folklore characters to life through symbolic dance and song. In my painting, the Dan is depicted with China's oldest and most well-preserved Beijing theater known as the Deheyuan Grand Theater perched atop her head. Use of color in the theatre was intentional and the bright red ornamentation on the Dan's eyes represents the loyalty and bravery of the character. Beijing's surrounding Yanshan mountain ranges depict the beautiful backdrop of the theater's origination and parallel the Dan's u
