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.

Portrait Study in watercolor

Page from my sketchbook 10"x 8"

I am thinking about converting this into a bigger painting.. maybe with some dramatic background.

This little sketch was based on a photo that I took on one of my trips to countryside in Hampshire.This elderly gentleman was admiring the garden while I admired his white hat and large sunglasses.The sunlight bouncing off his face makes him a good subject. It has been a long time since I have done a proper portrait and it kind of feels scary! 

Drawing - Pen and Ink Portrait

Pen and ink Drawing A3 size smooth Bristol Paper

For last few days I have been doing is quite varied stuff - working more on drawings, particularly life drawings.Joined  a new group on Saturday mornings. Pen and ink is one of the new venture,too.Using Indian ink with brush and pen to create portraits and figures.

Got myself some acrylics too (but so far have not been able to put that first brush stroke on the blank canvas!) Hope you all have been well!

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...

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?

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!

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!