JOJO the Chimp

19"x13"

Watercolor on Saunders Waterford Paper

SOLD

This is a young chimpanzee that I spotted on telly this morning- some documentary about chimps in captivity.I actually froze the frame and took  picture of it--not the best way to get a  reference- but since I planned to paint it loosely, lack of details didn't matter much.In fact it helped me loosen up!

Snowy Owl

Misty

10"x14"

Watercolor on Arches cold pressed paper

I started with the idea of a white subject against a dark background and this one was perfect, a snowy owl I had seen sometime ago in a nearby wildlife park.

Some good news this morning as well.My last painting "In Search" ( old man with a white beard)  has been accepted in International Watercolor Society HongKong. This is the first time I had entered any watercolor painting outside my country and feels great to be accepted.I am sure its going to be a great experience, fingers crossed.

In Search

Watercolor on Saunders Waterford CP paper

20''x13''

I have often felt guilty about abandoning my portraits.Well, this is just an effort to get back into the groove.I love to paint people's portrait but lately it has been kind of difficult to find subjects or willing models as everyone is so busy! I hope to get some new material on my next visit to India.Folk over there,especially in my hometown Rishikesh; seem to prefer a slower pace of life.The place is full of spiritual people who would spend hours on the banks of river Ganga, just meditating. This old man was offering his prayers at the river,too.He obliged very kindly when asked for a few pictures.This painting has turned out well so I plan to paint him at least once more, in a different profile.

Young Turk

8x10

Felt like playing with color today....this Young Turk did not even have a drawing underneath, I just started with a brush loaded with color and loads of water.

Recently got myself a new pink (W &N Opera Rose) this painting was a test to see its relationship with other colors.Its bright alright but no great chemistry with others.

Actually I have been trying to replace my old tube of  Fragonard Rose Tyrien which is running out fast!I had bought it in India a few years ago and I haven't see a color this beautiful since.....it pushes away every other color it touches and creates beautiful blooms.( Its not in the painting  above but you remember the cute bunnies and roosters I posted a few days ago..get the picture?!)

Problem is, I can't find it even online ..and haven't found any counterpart either --a pink that would merge with other colors as beautifully....any help would be much appreciated.

Turquoise Stripes

10x14

Looks like I am still a bit hung up on Zebras! However I have tried to do something different and used turquoise and pink- the colors I have been keeping for a long time but not used very much.I liked the way turquoise brightened up the surroundings and pink went well  with it.

Umber Stripes

9x12

Yesterday's work.Couldn't keep the muzzle as soft as I would have liked, but finished the painting anyway.

Yellow,White,Gray and Texture

7x10

Some more play with texture...another one in small animal series.

8x8

Cute little furry yellow chick in contrast with the rugged rooster!

Gentle Giant- Elephant Painting Sold

SOLD

Happy to share that this ambitious painting ( its 22"x15") has today been purchased by an art lover from Texas.My elephants are being loved more than I had anticipated.Thank you all for your support and encouragement along the way.

Completed a commissioned pastel portrait today..it has come out really nice.I hope to share it with you, if the client permits.

The Gentle Giant_ Elephant Portrait

21"x14" Arches NOT Paper

Going big again, painted on a half sheet of Arches.The composition was powerful so I thought that the impact would be greater in a larger size.I am more or less happy with this one, though the palette was not planned and I floundered a bit ...but all is well that ends well! 

I am loving painting elephants:)