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 :)