Pagoda Beyond Autumn Leaves and Brick Steps Painting

A tiered pagoda framed by blue pillars and orange leaves

The tiered pagoda tower stands in the distance against a pale blue sky streaked with cloud. Its walls are sand and rust, with dark red arched openings. Wide brick steps lead up to it, and tall slate blue pillars with cream panels hold the view open on either side.

Autumn trees fill the upper corners with orange, red and yellow leaves, while rounder green and gold trees sit behind the steps. A small figure in a conical hat and a turquoise dress walks the steps, which gives the tower a sense of scale. The paving below reflects the leaves and the pillars in warm, wet streaks.

Rust orange and slate blue, with one turquoise note

Rust orange runs through the leaves, the brick steps and the tower walls, so the picture reads warm. Slate blue in the pillars and the sky cools it, and the small turquoise dress is the one bright cool note, which draws the eye straight to the figure. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, especially in the leaves.

Warm leaves and cool pillars for a cream or grey wall

Cream, soft grey or pale stone walls let the rust orange leaves and the slate blue pillars stand out, in a living room or a hallway. The tall, upright shape follows the pillars and the tower, so it sits well in a slim stretch of wall, such as beside a doorway.

FAQ

Who is the small figure on the steps?

An anonymous figure in a conical hat and a turquoise dress, painted small against the brick steps. The figure is only suggested, with no face detail, and gives the tower its scale.

Are the pillars painted with clear detail?

The pillars have cream panels with dark marks that read as vertical script, but at a distance they look like soft columns. They are shaped by loose strokes rather than precise lettering.

What does the paving at the bottom show?

The paving looks wet and glossy. It carries streaks of orange, gold and blue, plus a soft reflection of the pillars and the figure.