Compare the slide of Tupa's painting "A Spiritual Melody: Triptych" above with the photograph "San Juan Bautista" to the right by Ruscin. Notice that Tupa's painting has two dark straight lines running through it. This painting is called a triptych, which means it has three parts, or panels. The triptych tradition can be traced to medieval times, when a central painting would be accompanied by two corresponding side panels. Tupa's triptych is a modern version of this practice.

The overall view of Mission San Juan Bautista ias seen in the Ruscin photograph is complex. Planters, trees, fences and signs surround and embellish the Mission. Notice how Tupa has simplified the view of the Mission; he focused solely on two architectural facades, ignoring most everything else that surrounds the structure. By doing so, Tupa has created a painting that encourages the viewer to focus on the building facades and to contemplate the shapes of the bell tower and the adjacent chapel. The shapes of the facades are exaggerated by Tupa and take on a joyful presence. Perhaps tupa felt these entertaining child-like shapes might evoke the feeling suggested in his title for the painting: A Spiritual Melody.