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! 

Senior citizen

Watercolor 7"x 5"

Did some watercolor painting today.I painted two little portraits, one of this aged gentleman whom I captured accidentally, as he sat on the same bench as my son as I clicked the picture...Since he was in the background, the image was blurry; but perfect for a loose watercolor! Same goes with a little blond boy I captured in the park.I will post that one later...These are very small paintings, I rarely paint this size- but I thoroughly enjoyed myself :) 

Oh and I forgot to post my maiden effort at still life:

Watercolor 6"x5"

Yellow Turban

watercolor

 14"x 10"

Technically this is my first painting in 2013.I have been busy with guests lately, got to paint only last evening.This Indian man is from a village and sports a traditional turban.I saw him in Rishikesh on my last trip to India and was immediately drawn to his yellow turban.People from Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat wear these turbans- these are hot desert regions and these large turbans offer people protection from elements of nature.These turbans also serve many more purposes, but here my sole purpose is to depict its sheer beauty! Hope you like it.