Hello, Cat
The red water really interests me, especially if, as seems likely, you are dealing with scenes of British India. Earlier in Britain's colonization of India, the colonials' [and, for what it's worth "Bennett"is a common British surname] imagery of the land was more strictly representational. Is the water red because it is illuminated by many lanterns or other lights? Do you get to see the audience? What kind of instruments--and how many--are played? Are the figures more realistic or more like examples of caricature? Is the water a solid red? Are you sensing some kind of exaggeration? If this is night-time--which seems likely for comfort of players and audience--does the scene look like part of an aristocrats' soiree or more like a middle-class entertainment. The British were very class-conscious in the heyday of empire, and there would be class markers in the image. The same goes for the hunting party--usually this is a ruling-class sport. Is the number of game animals excessively large? If so, does this feel like a parody of class behavior--or is it merely an unusual "successful" hunt?
Your use of the terms "vividly colored" and "fanciful scenes" make me wonder if there is parody going on, or merely celebration. Can you please give me your take on this? If it's parody, the artist may be a bit easier to find. Finally, does this look like the work of a professional artist or the work of an amateur?
Interesting puzzle. I'd like to try to help you find the artist.
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