Page 17 - _21-0619 OK

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
Volume XII, 2020

The Painting of His Majesty

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX 1

Wibul Leesuwan 2

Abstract
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is well known for his talent
in various fields of art, particularly as an extraordinary musician. His
Majesty’s interest in painting and sculpture might go back to his studies in
Switzerland (1937-1945), where appreciation of art is an important subject.
His Majesty showed great interest in painting. Either he learned to paint by
himself or he studied painting from books. It is said that His Majesty
sometimes went to learn how to paint from artists he liked. In the initial period
after his return to Thailand, His Majesty still had time to practice various
artistic pursuits, especially in the field of music, in which His Majesty was

extraordinary talented. The compositions are very well known to the public.
Apart from music, His Majesty King Bhumibol was very interested in visual
arts including painting, and completed a large number of paintings, but
these are not as well known among the public. From around 1959, His
Majesty studied oil painting from books on art and received suggestions
from senior art teachers of the time. He continued producing work in this
field until 1966. We found over 107 paintings by His Majesty.

King Bhumibol’s paintings can be classified into three groups:

Group 1: In this initial phase, His Majesty practiced basic oil painting of
portraits and still life.

Group 2: His Majesty painted according to his feelings, but still showing form.

Group 3: His Majesty painted abstract works with free expression.

Paper presented in the meeting of Academy of Arts on Tuesday 6 December 2016,
1
13.30-15.30
Fellow, Fine Art, Painting, Academy of Arts, The Royal Society Thailand
2

9
Wibul Leesuwan

5/1/2565 BE 09:03
_21-0619(009-018)2.indd 9
_21-0619(009-018)2.indd 9 5/1/2565 BE 09:03