artists around the world

Lidia Veronica Echenagusia is a Cuban artist that lives in Costa Rica and specializes in different arts and crafts, painting being one of her greatest passions. She took inspiration from her previous work to capture with acrylic paints on canvas and in Expressionist style a woman whose hair houses the most exotic animals and nature. "This series of paintings was born because many people told me I should turn into paintings the handcrafted dolls that I used to make so they could appreciate them in their homes. I am inspired by nature, colors, everything that surrounds me; the strength, weaknesses and dreams of women and human beings in general," says Echanagusia.

Titled Sueño Escondido in Spanish.

For Guatemalan artist Carolina Cabrera, to adore your inner nature is to claim a triumph. Transporting you to a fantasy world where spring has conquered Earth, Carolina creates this expressionist composition, merging luminous oil hues and gold foil for a breathtaking illusion. Myriad sunflowers surround a little child's smile, sending a message of happiness and self-love. Petite golden accents complete the painting, imitating the sun's divine shine.

The artwork arrives signed and stretched.

Memories from ancestors offer a glimpse of the Mayan grandeur. Oil and liquid glass allow Guatemalan artist Carolina Cabrera to capture the country's pride in the ancient Maya world, paying homage to her heritage. The artist adds a symbolic message through the diverse elements composing this expressionist painting. The man at the center represents Guatemala's people, whereas the fuming candles appear to create a symphony of colors that depict the Maya's cultural richness.

The piece, titled Ritual Maya in Spanish, arrives signed and stretched.

"Life is not seeking victory and fighting to kill each other, but playing beautiful and peaceful melodies to create a flowery world," says Harman while finishing a stunning expressionist composition that calls for peace and love. The Balinese artisan uses sharp brushstrokes and acrylic to depict a woman looking at the doves that fly around a floral peace symbol. Aimed to create an inspirational ambiance, this painting comes unstretched and signed.

The great kiskadee is a unique bird found primarily in Belize, but also in other places around the world like the US and Mexico. It takes center stage in Horacio Esquivel’s wonderful scene of the grasslands where different shades of green, brown and grey make contrast with the bird's yellow, black and white colors. The Mexican artist works with acrylic paints and natural dyes on Fabriano paper, a favorite in the art world because of its cotton component.

Titled Bienteveo en Pastizal in Spanish.

A faceless woman meditates as she sits on an open book. Working with the linoleum block print technique, Marina Pallares explores her global vision for world peace. The artist explains that the butterfly alighting on the corner of the book symbolizes the transformation of a being who dragged herself along the ground, but transforms into a winged creature that will take flight. Gentle doves are released from her bowed head.

"This print arose from my vision of world peace," the Mexican artist comments. "It's very similar to my ideas about ecology. Everything begins with the individual person with a global vision. That is, when we find our own inner peace, it's inevitable that we'll project it to everyone around us.

"Meditation is one of the simplest ways to gain access to our inner being. It gives us a sense of union with everything and helps us remain in the present. Meditation and education make us more conscious.

"Peace begins in oneself, on the basis of self-knowledge, self-love and education, making ourselves one hundred percent responsible for our own lives."

Titled "La paz comienza por casa" in Spanish.

Balinese artist Harman adds mystic symbols to a vibrant expressionist and cubist composition made with acrylic colors. As the central element, a Balinese woman poses in a mystic depiction of femininity while little doves and flowers wander around the colorful background. "When a woman is silent, there are thousands of things on her mind, namely about mental peace and world peace," reflects the artist.

The artwork comes signed and unstretched.

Calm and serenity reign around the spiritual guru Sai Baba in this beautiful painting by Sunil Jaiswal. Sai Baba led a very simple lifestyle and shunned all worldly things to live a pure and spiritual life. The artist renders the expressive portrait in a serene palette of blues and lilacs.