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.
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.
I think you have done right with the background. The attention almost photographic to detail in the portrait required the same attention on the background. You can be proud of your work, Arti.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for t taking time to comment,Albert.Much appreciated.
DeleteArti this is fantastic. It's on the way to reminding me of some pre-raphaelite pieces where everything is highly detailed including the background and the luminosity is just striking. Just like yours. Have a look at some of their work you might be interested. Anyway only 9 hours and you produced this just amazing my friend. I wouldn't produce this in a million years. Congratulations on this stunner.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura,I will look into that.You are so generous and kind, I feel lucky to have you as a friend.So glad we met.
DeleteMe too Arti. xx
DeleteOh my, I love this! Your portraits are always so nicely done. I wish I had access to all the people there, I love the drape of the clothing. It would be so fun to draw that!
ReplyDeleteThank you,Katherine...and you can always borrow Pictures of India from me if you like to paint them :-)
DeleteWonderful painting. The colors are so vivid and realistic. Great piece....
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony sometime I worry if my colors are too vivid!I always end up usi.g this yellow :-)
DeleteAbsolutely fantastic, Arti!! I love the beautiful shadows in her face,the folds in the clothing and the background is perfect! LOVE it all!!
ReplyDeleteYou know Hilda,initially I was afraid of painting clothes with all those folds...they looked so impossible..I think I have conquered that fear now! Thank you for encouragement...
DeleteHi Arti, wonderful painting, everything looks perfect to me. I like all your portraits, you are a Master!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tito you are ever so generous...
DeleteI love that you included some of the background, Arti. It feels more finished and lends to this woman's story. Glad to know more about saris but am rather sad that people leave their families to spend out their twilight years. As always, your work is just truly exquisite.
ReplyDeleteYes..their story is sad because no one leaves their family if they have choice.These places are like old age homes.I talked to one of my model , the lady in blue I painted last..she looked quite lonely despite the smile.
DeleteThank you for appreciating my work, you are a wonderful friend,Sherry.
Hi Arti, very well done! I love the different textures - the tree, leaves, saree, blouse and especially the skin with all the wrinkles. Very nice composition too.
ReplyDeleteThank you,Urmi,much appreciated.
DeleteArti, the saffron is gorgeous. And the woman's face is so well done!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you like it,Kathryn....
DeleteBeautiful, detailing of the background amalgamated so well. But what i like most is the expression you captured along with the light and shed..
ReplyDeleteThank you,Ayan.Light and shade was the main feature of this picture..I am happy that it came out well.
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