Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas

This is my submission to the DPW's Holiday Cheer Challenge hosted by Carol marine.The challenge was to paint anything that is meaningful to you this holiday season.This pretty girl in her Santa cap seems in tune with the theme.Happiness, joy and hope in her eyes and happy smile on her lips...
Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Grandma Waiting

Some more practice over the weekend...could this be a lonely grandma waiting for her family to visit her ?

Watercolour on paper, 12"x9"

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The portrait

I would like to call him a 'Sepia Man'...! A small watercolor sketch in monotone colors.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Watercolor Portrait

One thing I don't like about the watercolors is that you can't "repair" a work if things go wrong.
This is a spontaneous portrait (without much sketching) which I did from a black and white reference photo...
I wanted to use less paint but as it happened, I overdid it again and lost my highlights.I had to use my conte (another experiment) sticks to minimize the damage...or may be it did more damage!?
Its here, after much deliberation.An old lady from India :)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Life Drawing Study

Nothing much happening right now...got issued the "Life Drawing Class" by Lucy Watson from the library for study purpose, A good one.This drawing was done from a photograph from the book.I have used pastel pencil and conte on black craft paper.Limited palette.
Hope you all have a great weekend...Happy shopping for Christmas :)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Little Boy - Portrait in Pencil

I am getting more and more confident of doing dark skin tones- and loving it,too!Just a little charcoal in some areas.
A3 size white paper, 2H, B, 4B pencil and willow charcoal stick.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Fun Day

This is a small painting, A4 size-- an attempt at figurative painting...But now I think i should have painted on  a bigger surface.Painting the face was tough as I had to squint to see what I was doing!Or was it my eyesight?!!
It was a photo of my son, on a sunny day in the park with his football. 

Monday, November 28, 2011

watercolour woman

A watercolour portrait after a long time! I did it from a TV grab.This lady might be a TV actress , I dont know...just liked her face hidden half in shadows as she stands in her kitchen.I did it in two sittings, using layers, unlike my previous portraits which I finish in one go.Striving to get more control.
Watercolour, A4 size cold pressed paper.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Charcoal Portrait on a whim

A Portrait of my son in charcoal...I did this to experiment some more with charcoal.It has been a dull and rainy day outside...so something to cheer myself up!
Usually I use grid  for my pencil portrait but this one was done freehand,without any measurement.
I guess I will be doing more like these, try different paper and see what emerges!
A3 size, willow charcoal on paper

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

More sketching...Pastel Pencils

Yesterday when I went to the library, I ran into a small but wonderful group of women who love watercolors, and were there to paint together.I joined them and had a great time...they also told me about an art shop which was very close but which I didn't know about!Later I went there to explore and found all the art material I was looking for- from paper to pencils, all under one roof! I bought some pastel paper and Derwent pastel pencils which I had been wanting to do for quite some time.This drawing is the result of that material combined with the book that I got from the library on human anatomy.I have used a light coloured paper and orange, sienna, dark brown and blue pastel pencils along with white conte stick for highlights.
This is more like the work of Derek Jones ...he is very good at these figure drawings.You can see him in my blog roll.I like his style.
Pastel pencil on tinted paper, A4 size

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Sketching


Two drawings from my little sketchbook that I carry around.Top one was of a gentleman who was busy reading his papers at the library this morning-as I sat behind him with my own books...(A clothed figure- for a change; as I missed my Monday drawing session this week :))
Second one is a bit older...I did it sitting at a picnic table in our neighbourhood park while the sun was still shining.An elderly couple, enjoying the sun and having their snacks at the bench nearby.Later I used ink pen and brush on the drawing.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Pencil Sketch_A little Girl

This is the first time I have attempted to draw a dark skinned person in pencil.Its sure tough to create dark skin tones and not go overboard! For her hair I have used willow charcoal sticks, which were quite soft and smooth...Cross hatching in the background was later added to emphasis the light falling on her head.Though I must confess I am unsure about the background,Does it look good?What do you think?
Pencil and charcoal on paper
16"x12"

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Figure Drawing Session


At yesterday's figure drawing session, my attempt at black paper and chalk failed miserably.Lack of contrast being one reason-- the only light that we had was reflected greyish daylight coming from the big windows coupled with two or three overhead fluorescent lights. Not really dramatic!....I switched to a more versatile medium, my colour pencils.And last two sketches were done in these- about 30 minutes each.
You are right about this being a tough job for these guys who pose for us.This guy is probably new to the job; not really used to it.He has a cute face;looks like' Hagrid' of Harry Potter because of his size and wavy long hair.He does seem a bit shy, keeps shifting, can't hold a pose comfortably for more than 15 minutes.The skinny guy in my last pose was a pro.He gave poses without prompting, sat through them in a very relax manner and even came to each of us, checking our progress - time to time...It takes guts! :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Figure Drawing at Art Club




Some of the sketches I have been doing in my Figure Drawing sessions.As you can see, model P (plump) was more fun to draw than model S ( skinny).I have been doing these in pencil so far, but in today's session I am taking black craft paper and some colored chalk.I hope the results would be good enough for sharing here.So watch out for this space tomorrow for something new!
Have a good day

Friday, November 4, 2011

Sold _Portrait of Sherry

I am so excited to announce my first sale through this blog!This is a portrait of my blogger friend Sherry  Massey -I did it some months ago- Sherry liked it very much and today she has bought this from me.
Thank you Sherry!

Monday, October 31, 2011

'Contemplative'- pencil portrait


I have been working on pencil more and more lately, preparing for coming new years' calendar, for my sister and her husband's firm.This portrait was initially planned for the calendar, but later they changed their minds about the theme...now it has no takers- still it feels good to share it with you all.
This sketch was based on my friend Vikram's photo.Thanks, Vikram.
16"x12", pencil on acid free cartridge, 200gsm

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Vivacious

A pencil portrait of my friend Harmeet, who has wanted one for a long time! She is a beautiful and self confident woman with a vivacious personality; a teacher by profession.I hope these traits reflect in this portrait.
The photo was provided by Vikram who happens to be my friend, and her husband :)
Pencil on paper, 16"x12"1

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Watercolors Again

Back to colors...A practice sketch in watercolor.Still struggling with darker tones,though.
12"x9" watercolor on paper

Friday, September 30, 2011

Dreams_Pencil Portrait

The exhibit is still going on, I thank you all for your whole hearted support.To see some pics, CLICK HERE.
I haven't been sitting idle,though .I have drawn two more portraits, again the reference were provided by my photographer friend Vikram. Sharing first one here,You may find it a bit different than my previous works; the reason being a new,smoother paper resulting in smoother skin tones, and use of charcoal for darker areas.
I do hop,that you like the 'new look'!
Have a nice day.
Pencil and charcoal, A3 sized 200 gsm acid free cartridge paper.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Exhibition

My exhibition starts from Monday, September 19th and runs for three weeks. Mostly, pencil portraits are on display and a few watercolors,too.I am hoping the that the local people like the artwork.Basingstoke is a small town and its great to be recognized here.Wish me luck, and do pop in if you are nearby.
Venue: Fairfields Art Centre, Council Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire UK.
To see some pics, click here.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Exhibition Time!

I have not mentioned it so far, but I am going to have a little exhibition of my pencil portraits in September, in Fairfields Art Centre, Basingstoke.The director of the centre is an FB friend ( whom I found when I moved here) and he invited me to have this exhibition. Isn't that great!........
There will be about a dozen portraits -this is another one which will be added to the show.
The woman in this portrait is the mom of a friend.She also taught him and my husband in high school where they went together. She is a strong willed and self assured woman- the traits which I have tried to capture in this portrait.She is also a warm and lovely person to be with.
P.S. I have been really busy in last few weeks.. have been ignoring my blogger friends, I know! Please bear with me for some time :)
Pencil on paper 16"x12"

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Grandma

This is a portrait of the granny of my friend Vikram.She has a beautiful face and is quite vivacious for her age!It was drawn from a photo taken by him. Her flowing white hair made this imade a perfect choice for a black and white sketch.I did it more like 'negative sketching'...the hair strands were created by erasing only.
Graphite pencil on A3 paper

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Sun Kissed

                                           A new pencil portrait of a friend.
This one was a tough call - I was all tangled up in her hair and those sunglasses were a first,too...never sketched reflections in pencil before. Keeping away the thoughts of abandoning it  midway I kept going after it -- and completed it in after about 10 hours of work!I am proud of it !
Have a great Sunday :)
16"x12" 4B and 0.5 mechanical pencil on paper

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Youth


Watercolor portrait of my niece.It was a bit overcast and I could not get the desired light on her face; yet her expression makes it all worthwhile.
Watercolor on paper, 12"x9"

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Love

Pencil Portrait of my favorite subjects- my son with his little cousin.I would call this one a "hasty job" as I finished it in two days' span, instead of my usual 7-8 days..I hadn't worked in pencil for  long time and I worked on it -like there s no tomorrow! Could have done better with a little patience, I know :)
16"x12" mechanical pencil 0.3 and 0.7

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Pristine_Portrait of a Little Girl

A leisurely Sunday, I had some time to spend with my paper and colors,finally!This cute little girl is painted from a photo of Vikram, my photographer friend.I have tried to paint in two sittings, this one- instead of my usual 'at one go' style..
watercolor on paper, 12" x9"

Monday, May 23, 2011

Entwined

Painted after what feels like a long gap! Entwined tree trunks- with a touch a abstract...Hope you enjoy it.
I certainly enjoyed painting this one:)
watercolor on cold pressed paper 140 lb
12"x9"

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Buoyant

 A portrait of a happy looking village woman from India, in her traditional attire- saree; covering her head.This beautiful image was captured by a friend Vikram, who is a very talented photographer.
Watercolor 9"x 12"

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Pretty Picture

I have been a little busy with life in past two weeks or so..not been able to paint at all. Posting here today is  a sketch I did sometime ago, and was not so happy about --(it didn't come out as I had wanted)
But it might inspire me to paint again, I hope!
Have  a Great Day!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

For You, Sherry!

Its a portrait of Sherry, a fellow blogger and a dear friend :)
The reference pictures that she sent didn't reveal much of her character, each one of them being different- so I relied on my instinct and painted her as I perceived her!
I do hope you like it, and you recognise yourself in this portrait, Sherry! Enjoy :)

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Midnight Rose

Here I have been trying to create an artwork combining both- the abstract and the realistic approach...(without much success, it seems!) I have also used some negative painting here.
The experiment with darks still continues...I am posting it here even if I am not happy about it - keeps life from getting boring :)
watercolor on paper
12" x 9"

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Radiant

A watercolor study of a friend -- beautiful, young, and vivacious.The reference photo was taken recently at Bournemouth beach, UK.
Watercolor on cold pressed paper, 9"x12"

Friday, April 8, 2011

The Intense Gaze

I have been working on this sketch during past few days. I guess total time involved was around 10-12 hours.

This lady  happens to be a devotee who was busy reading her holy book at the 'Ganga Ghaat'( At the shores of the Ganges) in Rishikesh.She looked up when my husband clicked her picture but didn't mind much! Her gaze was intense and deep, so I was fascinated by her face.
Hope you enjoy this.
Pencil on paper, 16"x12"

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Coconut Water

I have been missing doing portraits..so first thing I did when I sat to paint, was this boy :) - its an old reference photo taken from the net..(just a practice painting) He is enjoying coconut water straight from a green Coconut, as it is popularly done in southern parts of India.
The paper is 90 lb and it didn't take the washes very well ; just soaked up all paint I applied on it...
watercolor 9"x12"

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Arrived...

I have arrived and in process of settling down in United Kingdom..The weather has been beautiful here in Basingstoke since my arrival on Thursday.The town is pretty, the view is very nice from my seventh floor apartment and I am loving it here!
The picture above was painted a few months back; just thought it would be nice to share it again; more so,as it shows my current state of mind--looking out for new avenues  and adventures!
I have been missing you all and I hope I will have something new to post here soon :)

Friday, January 21, 2011