Kimberly Wheaton -- Muralist & Artist

Symbolic Paintings

Kimberly Wheaton
Symbolic Paintings
I enjoy combining media to create metaphorical, or symbolic, paintings because art is about exploration and expression of ideas as much as it is about representing a person, place, or thing. Most of these paintings combine layers of acrylic paint with tissue paper, other collage materials such as origami paper and thread, block prints that I carved, and small found objects. Symbolic paintings can be whimsical, serious, or serene. They often explore themes of spirituality, gratitude, longevity, mystery, abundance, and simplicity. Several iconic images appear in many of my paintings, including cranes, crows and swallows, fish, houses, windows, nests, trees (blossoming or bare), leaves, and the moon.

Spirit Houses and Shrines
Spirit houses are based on the Thai tradition of providing a shelter for spirits who watch over and protect natural surroundings as well as the home and its occupants. Spirit houses are situated in natural settings or a prominent place on the property. It is said that the sometimes mischievous spirits will grant safety, happiness, and prosperity if given frequent gifts of flowers, food, candles, or incense.

Shrines and spirit houses are a way to recognize and promote the spiritual aspects of our lives. Some shrines explore broad themes such as personal growth, dreaming, and finding a spiritual home, while other shrines have specific religious icons. Shrines and spirit houses are intended to be personalized by the owner and are meant to encourage personal expressions of faith.

Scroll down to view additional paintings as well as spirit houses and shrines. For more information on any of these pieces, please contact me.


Cranes and Ginkgo Leaves Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 36"	The Five Blessings of the Plum Tree Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 36"	Three Koi Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 36"

Silver Tree of Life Mixed media on canvas, 36" x 36"	A Cup of Tea Mixed media on stretched canvas, 30" x 36"	Dance of the Cranes Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 24"

Paper Lanterns Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 48"	The Black Crow Knows What the Future Holds Mixed media on stretched canvas, 48" x 48"	Three Wishes Mixed media on stretched canvas, 24" x 36"

Toads Always Look Before They Leap, But Frogs Never Do Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"	Mosaic Spirit House with Key Mosaic tiles, found objects	Sacred Sarabs Mixed media on stretched canvas, 18" x 40"

You Can Fly Found objects Shrine, 15” x 7” x 8”	Moon Dreamer Wood Shrine; fabric, found objects, 16” x 8” x 6”	Small Cedar Spirit House Cedar, reclaimed tin, found objects