BHAKTAPUR, NEPAL

“My husband and I carry our painting gear around with us each day on our holidays,” says Hong, to painting the moment, which assuages an inward call to somehow capture the mesh of emotions arising from the atmosphere of places that inspire me.” Huang found ample inspiration on a recent trip to the Kathmandu Valley, where she created numerous watercolors including this depiction of a busy lane leading to Bhaktapur’s Dattatreya Square. “Still rebuilding in the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the places we visited had an air of organized determination, as well as a constant shroud of construction dust. I regret not seeing the valley before so much of its beauty was destroyed, but at the same time, it was humbling to witness the resolve and grit of the Nepalese at this juncture in their history. As I painted this scene on our last afternoon in Nepal, I felt a tinge of reluctance to part with this beautiful country, one so unpretentious, warm (in both manners and aesthetics), raw, and spiritual. I wish it well, and till we meet again, .”