Chinatown Painting - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Singapore

The next painting in my Singapore Landmark series of paintings is 'Chinatown'.

I have been sketching The Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda Temple in Chinatown along with Chinese symbols - the dragon is this years animal in the chinese calendar and lanterns are everywhere in Chinatown. I am also using symbols connected to prosperity and abundance. 

My Chinese friend Hong, an extraordinary bodyworker, Shiatsu therapist and healer has translated some Mandarin for me and explained some elements of Chinese culture which is helping guide my paintings. I have chosen a strong colour palette of red pink orange and vivid green. Red and gold is seen everywhere in temples and in Chinatown as these represent prosperity.

I like to include text in my paintings and  I am drawn to the street names, Eu Tong Sen Street, Temple Street and Peoples Park.