The Guide. From the “Codependency” series. (2026) Original Oil Painting by Irina Smirnova-Seymour

This contemporary figurative painting grew from my reflections on human and nature, the spiritual journey, and the inner strength that helps us move forward when reason alone cannot provide an answer. Through the symbolism of the leopard, I explore intuition, the inner voice, and the search for harmony, making this work a form of philosophical art and a reflection on the invisible connection between ourselves and the world around us.

The leopard resting on the man’s shoulders is not a burden, but his guide. It represents the ancient, instinctive part of our nature that we often silence when we try to explain everything through logic.

I wanted to convey a sense of trust. The man does not resist the animal or try to free himself from it — he accepts its presence. I am drawn to the idea that sometimes we need to stop looking outside ourselves for answers and listen to what already exists within us.

Perhaps each of us has our own guide — a feeling, an instinct, a memory, or an inner wisdom. What matters is learning how to hear it.

Materials used:

Linen canvas, oil paints, oil sticks

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 80 x 80 x 2cm (unframed) / 80 x 80cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Impressionistic
• Subject: People and portraits