Sketch in Charcoal

12x16

Picked up charcoal after a long time and did this sketch in the morning session.I have missed doing portraits and would love to do some more..This sketch reminded me how much I loved drawing- without the pressure of thinking of converting it into a painting!May be I should keep them separate.

Life in Pastel

Soft Pastels on Gray Tinted Paper

15"x22"

It started out as a black and white charcoal sketch on a gray paper....First I put charcoal in dark areas but when I tried putting highlights in white, she looked like a ghost!Hastily I took out my box of pastels to rescue her and after an hour or so covered her in color!At least she looked presentable :) What do you think?

I have used a painterly approach this time, almost like an oil painting.

I would call this my maiden attempt at portrait in soft pastels...still getting to know them!

"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.

Grace

Head study of a woman with a beautifully weathered face...I saw the image somewhere on the net and it stayed with me.
watercolor, 8"x6"

Walk in a park

Two elderly women taking a leisurely stroll on a beautiful , sunny day in Regents Park, London . These women were enjoying it thoroughly and looked perfect in my frame.
From a photo from my archive...