• Acrylics on canvas
• Measurement canvases: 40 × 60 cm / 20 × 60 cm / 50 × 60 cm / 40 × 40 cm / 20 × 30 cm

This polyptych represents the five elements of Chinese teachings: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each canvas represents a season based on the growth of an apple tree. The client – a practice for yoga, shiatsu and massage – uses the paintings to explain various aspects of health to their clients.

Spring is central to the first painting and that is reflected in the branch: the (starting) blossom is fully present. In this season, the wood element is in focus, with the color green in the background being typical for this element. Spring represents the liver and gallbladder energy. Unfolding, discovery, growth and new beginnings are some of the characteristics.

The second painting focuses on summer. The leaves on the branch are in full bloom and there are even two unripe apples on the tree. In this season, the fire element is at play, with the colors red and orange in the background being typical for this element. Summer represents the heart and small intestine energy. Mental development, intuition, movement, warmth and maximum creativity are some of the characteristics.

The third painting focuses on late summer. It’s harvest time: the apples are hanging on the tree! In this season the earth element is at issue, with the color yellow in the background being typical of this element. The late summer represents the stomach and spleen energy. Stability, balance and a nourishing power for body and mind are some of the characteristics.

The fourth painting focuses on autumn. An overripe apple can be seen in the distance. Most of the leaves are already discolored and falling off the tree. In this season, the metal element is in focus, with the colors white and purple in the background being typical for this element. Autumn represents lung and colon energy. Letting go, holding and reflection are some of the features.

The fifth painting focuses on winter. The leaves are gone and the bare branches remain. Icicles and snow cover the branches. In this season the water element is at issue, with the color blue in the background being typical for this element. Winter represents the kidney and bladder energy. Willpower, courage and determination are some characteristics.