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.