Thursday, December 27, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Blue Morning Glory

12" x 9"
Watercolor on 140 lb acid free paper
Flowers are beautiful subjects, but I have been painting them almost every day since 2-3 weeks !I am glad that the project is over, finally and if things go as planned, all the twelve flowers that I have painted will take the form of a desk calendar.Each month has its own 'birth flower'; this morning glory is called the flower of September.This delicate flower is associated with affection.An interesting fact about these flowers is that they bloom with sunrise and die when the sun sets.
I hope you all have been enjoying Christmas festivities....have a nice day.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Water Lilies in a Pond

Water Lilies
Watercolors on Arches 300 lb NOT paper
14"x 11"
This is not what I do everyday...painting flowers!But I am doing it right now, round the clock.My sister decided that this year we will be having flowers on her calendar.I am so short of time that I could n't even do some trials to see in what style I am going to paint- we just started off. Now its 'free-style', I guess! I am on my eighth page today.Have to finish all of 12 by Sunday.I will be sharing them all here very soon.
We are not having much sunshine here lately, yesterday was very cloudy and it has been  raining again since last night.This picture was taken under the light of my table lamp.The colors look yellower than they actually are but its the next best thing I can do.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Happy Together....

11"x9"
Watercolor on Paper
A fun piece in loose style watercolor.I saw this couple resting on a bench in our local market May be they were tired after shopping or just enjoying the sun. I changed the background and shifted them to a park to avoid a parked car and a shopfront behind them :)
Hope your preparations for Christmas are going in full swing.
I received my package of art material this afternoon from Ken Bromley.I have ordered Arches paper for the first time; it is so expensive!Can't wait to try it.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Portrait of a Friend

Watercolor on paper
This is a friend and ex-colleague of my husband who had been visiting us from India last week.She had beautiful big eyes and I tried to highlight the fact while taking her pictures.I painted this from a picture that I took in the glorious daylight, though I painted it at night :) But the next day was not so sunny and when I photographed the painting it came out rather dull and flat - so I had to resort to using digital media to rectify it.(Should I call it 'Mix media' now?!)

I have been rather busy lately, working on the next New Year calendar for my sister's company as well as on my ongoing animation project.It will keep me busy for the rest of December, I guess.But I will keep popping in time to time..though not as active on blogosphere as I should be.
Wish you all Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Watercolor 
16"x12"
This portrait is based on a photograph by my friend Vikram. I did it in pencil also but liked it enough to try watercolors! Have a great weekend.


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Watercolor study
Old Lady with Red Hat
14"x11"
I am getting a little rusty, after a long time spent without painting...life feels empty even as I am busy with a lot of things..just because there has been no painting!
This is a study to begin all over again...I hope you all are doing good...

Monday, November 19, 2012

Restless

Restless, watercolor and pastels on paper
12"x 14"
I am posting after a long time today and its not in a very cheerful state of mind.This Saturday I received a very sad news of a dear friend having died untimely in a road accident.I painted to divert my mind and to ward off the tears that evening.They still threaten to roll down, every now and then , as I think of him.I had known him for 20 years.I would describe him as a restless soul, naive,a man-child,trying to fit in the world as it outsmarted him in so many ways.He couldn't achieve what he aspired for and many people considered him a loser.Not everyone gets the golden pot at the end of the rainbow.I liked him despite all those flaws and he cared about me.Thats all I know.I want to remember him as the friend who would lighten up my evening whenever we met, who would laugh and sing songs that he wrote himself. 
May be he is better off in another world..
Thanks for listening.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Shades of Gray

Watercolor on paper
9"x12"
A magnificent animal painted in some interesting hues.. my way of relaxation.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Twin Trees in Pastels

Pastels on paper
10"x14"
The struggle with pastels continues....I like the textures and bright colours, not to mention the freedom that comes with this medium.I know the results are not very dynamic as yet- but I like this medium enough to keep trying.I did this one on watercolor paper with  acrylic underpainting of dark blue.A few more trials and if I get some good results, I may be tempted to invest in expensive pastel paper and more shades.
Any tips and suggestions from those who work in pastels are welcome
Have a great Sunday and Happy Halloween...

Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Blue Door

"The Blue Door"
Watercolor 
11"x15"
Latest watercolor work.I saw this old wooden door on my last trip to Rishikesh.The paint was peeling-I couldn't decide which color was used to cover the other!The door was also modified and cut on the bottom to adjust with the slope of the ground.It was a modest dwelling with moss covered walls but an artist's eye can spot beauty in strange places....Don't you agree? Have a great Sunday.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Life in Pastel

Soft Pastels on Gray Tinted Paper
15"x22"
It started out as a black and white charcoal sketch on a gray paper....First I put charcoal in dark areas but when I tried putting highlights in white, she looked like a ghost!Hastily I took out my box of pastels to rescue her and after an hour or so covered her in color!At least she looked presentable :) What do you think?
I have used a painterly approach this time, almost like an oil painting.
I would call this my maiden attempt at portrait in soft pastels...still getting to know them!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Watercolor Portrait

  Watercolor on cold pressed paper
11"x15"
An artwork I did to break the monotony of the past few days...I am busy in some animation work ( It gives me a stiff neck but I still do it because it pays for my art supplies;) ) It will be going on for another week or so- but I missed painting so much that I stole a few hours on Saturday and painted this young man from India.It felt so good!....I have painted it big this time, only the face takes up the entire 11"x15" area.
Hope you all like him,too.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Monochromatic Portrait Study

Payne's Grey Value Study
12"x9"
This monotone watercolor study was painted in an hour's time.Reference picture was an archive one , a street vendor from India.His rugged features depict the tough life he leads.This was a quick one;I may sketch him again in graphite- at some point.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

"Unwind" completed

Watercolor on 600gsm paper
15"x22''
This painting has taken about nine hours to complete, spread over 3-4 days.
I was not sure what was I going to do when I started out; paper was big and this picture had a background which was integrated with the main subject.I don't usually paint the backgrounds in detail .After much deliberation, I decided to go with my instinct- painting almost everything I saw.
I think it looks rather nice as a whole scene; what's your take?

For my friends who are not familiar with Indian customs; this old lady is wearing a saree ; a traditional Indian attire.A Saree is basically an unstitched piece of cloth of about 5 meters in length which is draped around the body in various styles.Its very elegant dress and I also wear it on occasions.Younger women will wear stylish, decorative, embroided or printed ones.What this lady is wearing is a simple version- a plain cotton one which isa comfortable daily wear.The color is also significant.Saffron color is a symbol of  devotion and sacrifice.This woman is among the hundreds who have come to Rishikesh to spend their twilight years, leaving their families behind...Thus you often see this color in my paintings of sages and devotees from Rishikesh.
Hope that helps in understanding this painting.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

WIP

After not being able to paint for almost a month...this is the work in progress that I have started recently.An aged woman from my old Rishikesh pictures.In my hometown, local people come to the banks of the river Ganga to meditate or to pay respect.Its a daily ritual for some of them.This woman was also following her ritual- I clicked her as she sat resting under a tree afterwards.
I have decided to paint big, and add the background also.Will keep you posted!
Have a great weekend..
Watercolor 15"x22''

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Opening Evening_ Art Show

We had a great opening of the show with so many people attending.I had dragged my son Arjun this time,along with my husband; (with a promise of Pizza party afterwards) He got bored very soon and I had to leave early.Next time I am not taking him!Husband is more accommodating, he cancelled his golf for my exhibition ;)
Here are some pics for you:






Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Back in Basingstoke

I am back from my vacation to India.It was great meeting all the friends and family; but it was also exhausting.We pretty much ate out every day, kept running around to meet each and everyone and finally I was glad to be back to the peace of my home!......
On 6th September my son turns 13 ( you know teen-age has arrived when they start treating you like retards) We had been assigned to buy a new phone for him as a birthday gift; but it is proving to be a herculean task (we decided to change the provider).Numerous trips to the shop/ wasted phone calls and still no phone! Son is annoyed that his parents are not clever enough to buy him a gift on time!....Lets hope we manage to seal the deal this evening ;)
My Group Show starts on the same day; two of my works are being displayed in the exhibition which will run till 29th September.I am so glad to be a part of this community.Will post the pictures on Thursday, for all those who can not attend.Opening is on 6th, at 6.30 in the evening.
Add to this a sleepover of my son's friends on Friday at our place and a visit by my husbands' friend on Saturday; and my hands are literally full!
I hope all of you have been doing well, give me some more time to visit you individually :)


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Autumn of Life- Portrait of an Elderly Indian Woman

                                                            Watercolor on Paper
                                                                  16"x12"
I have worked on my instinct this time, using dry brush more than wet here.This portrait took me about five hours, in two sitting.There were a lot of details in her face which I wanted to capture.I guess it has come out good and I am going to submit this one for the Art Show.
This will also be my last post this month, I am off to India tomorrow...
See you all in a few weeks' time.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

A Window to the World

                                                                           12"x16"
                                                                   Watercolor on Paper
I have been busy -I think I will post a few paintings before I go...This was done from a photo taken by my friend while on his recent trip to Leh, (India)A young Monk stares out of his window; who knows what goes through his mind...

Friday, August 10, 2012

As much as I would like to paint all day, I won't be able to do it for the rest of this month.I will be leaving on a vacation to India soon.But before leaving, I have to submit some artworks  for an upcoming exhibition of my Art Club in September!( I need time to improve my paintings but the exhibitions are cropping up so fast)...I need to prepare at least two more paintings for selection in this week.
Its tough to work when you feel pressured to deliver...but I shouldn't be complaining- the Art Centre's director personally asked me to submit my work before I leave- he wants my work to be in the exhibition..... that's an honor!
I guess these are little perks of living in a small town...I love you, Basingstoke!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Self Portrait

I was not really serious when I started this,but it looked decent enough to share in the end....It was painted in Raw Sienna ( I spent half of my tube!) Each color behaves in a different manner.So I guess there will be more studies, each in different color.It would be a good exercise, don't you think?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Value Study

This is a value study in Payne's Gray.My first attempt,to be honest.I have read so much about the importance  of value study but never really did it.This weekend I loaned Charles Reid's " Watercolor Solutions".Now I loaned this book about an year ago, too.But at that time it did not inspire me as much as it did this time.So whats the good news here? I am progressing!...Charles has a great style and I would love to be able to paint in the same loose, uninhabited way,some day.The most important thing that I need to learn right now is how to lose some edges and how to find some!There are not going to be any lines and boundaries in these studies, just the mass,the value! I will be doing more tomorrow, keep watching!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Everyday Art_Portrait

I10"x7"
I did this one after the little boy below...I felt I was going with colors too strong!And, I am so much in love with the 1.1/4 inch flat brush that I bought a few days ago.I loved painting the background in bold strokes with that.It was like painting in oils....I miss my oil colors....!Hopefully some day I am going to find a space where I can spread my oil colors and my canvas, painting on my dining table is not much fun!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Everyday Art_ Portrait of a Young Boy

10"x7"
I bought myself some new paints and art stuff, indulged in some unbridled art this evening.This is small, but I enjoyed doing this one.It feels good when you let yourself go, not worrying about the outcome! 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Love

Watercolor on Paper
22"x15"
A portrait of a friend with her lovely daughter.I liked the way she holds her close to her bosom and the child wraps her arms around her neck!Oozes with love and affection.
I tried big, painting on  1/2 sheet this time.The paper was Bockingford 600 gsm and I expected a lot from it, having invested grandly...not satisfied. Any suggestions for a good paper for  portrait painting?I m still looking for a  paper that retains the transparency of the colors and not just soaks them up.
I hope you all had a rocking weekend.Have a great week!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Wrinkled- Pencil Portrait of an Old Man

Pencil on Paper
17"x11" Strathmore Bristol Paper
This is the drawing I have been working on since last week.It took me about 16 hours of work, but I enjoyed every hour!The reference picture was taken about 3 years ago, in my hometown Rishikesh, which is  a spiritual town of India.There are many,many of them, like this old man here, sitting around on the banks of the Ganges river; spending their time in a blissful inertia.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Grey Skies

Watercolor  15"x 22"
This was painted from my last visit to South Hampton, the historic city of UK, famous for its ports .The day was overcast, with dark clouds looming above.I have tried to capture the atmosphere.

I am presently working on a pencil portrait for last whole week, I think I will share it with you soon.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Playing by the Creek

Watercolor on Paper
16"x12"
This is Bradley, son of Christy Ann who kindly allowed me to paint this handsome young man.This painting was kind of a 'trial run' for a bigger piece.I intend to paint the full image of him standing in ankle deep water. 
I must confess,this painting could have been better.The paper I used soaked up the paint too quickly.I am thinking of getting a 300 lb paper for next one, to get best results.Meanwhile you can enjoy this one!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Everyday Life and Everyday Art

This is a painting I did last week for a blogger friend, Julie.Her beloved cat Buddy had passed away recently and I thought this painting might help her overcome her grief...
Life has been a little busy for last few days.Thursday evening was the exhibition.Saturday some friends came over and we spent the day with them.They had came from London to see my exhibition, bless them!
Sunday had a promising,sunny start and after the usual clean ups etc,I persuaded my husband to accompany me to South Hampton.With my luck, though,whole day it remained overcast and grey.... even drizzling sometimes!The sun came out only when we had caught the train back...I still managed to take some decent shots.South Hampton is a beautiful,old English town with a rich heritage.I plan to go back again sometime.
In all this melee, I forgot to buy new pair of school shoes for Arjun, who had ruined his last pair in Friday's rain.Today I had to send him in trainers, with a note of apology in his diary :( I need to get more organized......

Friday, July 13, 2012

Best of Basingstoke 2012




The exhibition opened last evening and it was a wonderful event.My two works were displayed among the 49 artworks by 29 local artists. I am so glad that I have been so kindly accepted by the local community in such a short time.A big thanks to Andy, the director of the Fairfields Art Center- he introduced me to the Basingstoke art world.More pics on my Facebook here.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Best of Basingstoke July 2012


         My Next Group Exhibition starts soon in Basingstoke.
                                         
THE BEST OF BASINGSTOKE ART SHOW Opening Night
Thursday 12th July from 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Fairfeilds Art Center,Council Road, Basingstoke RG21 3DH
The exhibition will run from Saturday 14th July to Thursday 2nd August 2012 
Gallery Opening Hours : Mons, Tues, Weds and Thurs 9.30am –4.45pm. Fris by appointment. 
Open Sat 14 July 9.30am - 1.00pm, but closed 21 & 28 July. Admission Free.

Clock Tower in Watercolors

Watercolor on paper
12"x16"
This is my maiden attempt at painting a building.I was not entirely sure-what technique to use, which colors would look best, how much detail? Now as I look at it, I feel I should have stopped 15 minutes before!Sometimes its hard to decide when to stop.Isn't it?
Though after seeing the finished piece, my son patted me on the back and said, "you are getting better and better"! That's enough motivation to paint another building :)
Well I will have to paint another 10 or 20 cityscapes before I can conclude what method works best for me- so keep watching this space...
This is a from a picture from Portsmouth.A stunning clock tower stands atop a beautiful 1889 structure  called Guild Hall.I liked it very much when I saw it last; and may be I will paint it again in another view or angle.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Family Portrait_Commissioned

This is a commissioned Family Portrait for an acquaintance here in Basingstoke.Vaishali works at the Fairfields Ar Center and she asked me to paint her husband with her twin boys as a Birthday gift for her husband.Todays is the D-day so I am posting it here, though I completed it a week ago.Vaishali liked it very much and I hope her family likes it too.
Watercolor on paper
16"x12"

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Line and Wash

Line and Watercolor Wash
14"x10"
Results of pastels were not very encouraging, I will have to work more on them.Meanwhile I tried another technique which is new to me.The painting above was first done in waterproof ink and then painted in light washes of watercolor.Though I still veered more towards my usual watercolor here, the colors should have been lighter..especially on the left side....I know!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Jim

"Jim"
Pencil and pen on paper
This is from my last Life Drawing session.Our model was running late, lost on her way to the Art Center.
Jim who is a fellow artist, obliged by posing for us meanwhile.It was a 15 minutes pose.Enough time to scribble with pencil.I added the darker pen lines later.
I indulged myself today, bought some soft pastels and paper.I am going to try landscapes with it first.I know nothing about this medium, but will be learning on my way...Wait and watch this space!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Sunny Street

Here is something different...I wanted to try this for a long time; and I am sure I am going to do this again! A sunlit street lined with beautiful houses.Though I need to loosen up a bit more.Well I enjoyed painting it , I hope you enjoy viewing this,too.
Watercolor on paper, 14"x11"

Monday, July 2, 2012

Landscape 2 _ Evening Sea

"Evening Sea"
16"x12"
Mix Media on Paper
This weekend I worked more on my landscapes.This is an imaginary scene painted in watercolors.I used a tissue to dab on the wet paper to create clouds. Several changes were made in the lower part of the painting --first it was ground,then a shore- finally I settled for the vast expanse of water. Tiny boats were added later in pastels to make it lively.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Another World _ Landscape in Watercolor

I could have called it "A Figment of My Imagination" also!Its a small landscape, my baby steps- you could say. I started with the sky.Then added the horizon line and a little house with some green dropped in wet in wet. As I worked the horizontal line turned into a nice slope, makes it all more interesting.What do you think?
Watercolor 10"x7"

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Watercolor Answers

Yesterday's visit to local library proved exceptionally fruitful...I was in a hurry and picked two watercolor books randomly'without even looking at the contents. But later that evening when I started flipping pages of  "The Watercolor Answer Book" by seasoned artist Catherine Anderson , I couldn't put it down before I finished reading every chapter.
Usually I am not a big fan of books as learning source, they are just the step-by-step demonstration of how an artist arrived at a particular result...but this book was different.It was like- a real person was answering all your question and clearing your doubts.This was a 1999 addition, I am sure she must have written more by now.I have to look.But I must confess that her book inspired me enough to try my hand at landscapes- I have been petrified of them-not knowing how to approach the subject.Lets hope something good comes out of this.
Working on a commissioned painting.A friend in Basingstoke has asked me to paint her husband with her two twin boys as a birthday gift.Its coming along well ; I believe I can share it with you tomorrow ( she is not a follower of my blog, so there should not be any issues!)
Have a lovely day, all of you!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Dusk and Dawn

"Dusk and Dawn"
Watercolor on 300 gsm watercolor paper
14"x10"
Last evening's work.Horses are such magnificent animals- powerful, yet gentle; a joy to paint.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Deer, Deer....

"Deer,Deer"
14"x10"
Watercolor on cold pressed watercolor paper
More splashing of colors...

Monday, June 18, 2012

Little Lamb

"Little Lamb"
12"x9"
watercolor on paper
A happy little lamb...hope you like him!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Buying Ice Cream

"Buying Ice Cream"
Pencil on Smooth Paper
12"x16"
Last evening I completed this pencil piece.The picture is not that great because of overcast skies here, I hope you can see the details.I will try to take another picture which shows the details later....
Have a great Sunday.