Jasmine Garden, the inspiration

I painted this whilst living in the South of France. The colours mimic the soft hues of the sunrises and sunsets, pastel pinks, blues, and greens. The South of France is renowned for its warm, sunny climate—long days filled with golden light that make the landscapes glow. It is here that the famous upper and lower corniches wind their way along the dramatic coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the vibrant towns below.

Jasmine garden, oil on linen, 100x100cm (left) @Philliips London

While rain is rare, when it does arrive, it often brings with it the magical appearance of rainbows arching over the hills and sea. Rainbows appear when sunlight passes through raindrops in the atmosphere, bending and splitting the light into its many colours. This natural prism effect creates the beautiful arc of colours we see in the sky, a fitting complement to the pastel palette that inspired my painting.

All these factors inspired Jasmine garden, as well as the jasmine I had in my own garden. Jasmine is a delicate climbing plant known for its clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers and its enchanting, sweet fragrance. The plant flourishes in warm climates like the South of France because it thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil—conditions that are abundant in this sun-drenched region. The warm temperatures encourage prolific flowering and intensify the perfume that jasmine releases, especially at night when the air is cooler and still. At night, the fragrance would be the strongest, filling the garden, while during the day, the little white petals gleam against the lush green leaves.

I often put ladders in my paintings, representing the afterlife, other lives, and the mysterious element of why we are here. Ladders are powerful symbols in both dreams and spiritual traditions—they often signify ascension, transition, or the journey between different states of being. In dreams, climbing a ladder can symbolise personal growth, striving toward new goals, or a desire to reach a higher level of understanding. Spiritually, ladders have been seen as bridges between the earthly and the divine, such as the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, which connects heaven and earth. In the context of the afterlife, ladders can evoke the idea of moving from one existence to another, or the soul's journey to higher realms. By including ladders in my work, I invite viewers to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the possibility of transcendence.

As well as ladders, I use bridges as metaphors for connection, transition, and transformation. Bridges have long been powerful symbols in art and literature, representing the passage from one place or state of being to another. They can signify overcoming obstacles, connecting different ideas, or linking the past with the future. In dreams, bridges often reflect the process of moving through life’s challenges or the courage to cross into new experiences. Spiritually, bridges may be seen as pathways between the earthly and the spiritual, or between the conscious and unconscious mind. By including bridges in my paintings, I invite viewers to consider the journeys they undertake and the connections they forge—both within themselves and with the world around them.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, it has now been reduced. Please email me at: khare8@gmail.com