కేరాఫ్ కంచరపాలెం - ఒక గొప్ప "అనుభూతి"...

Watercolors on Paper

సినిమా అంటే ఇలానే ఉండాలి అన్న రూలేం లేదు. కానీ సినిమా ఇలా కూడా ఉంటుందా, ఇలా కూడా తియ్యొచ్చా అని ఆలోచింపజేసే సినిమా "కేరాఫ్ కంచరపాలెం".

"అనుభూతి" అన్న పదం తెలుగు సినిమా మర్చిపోయి చాలా కాలమే అయ్యింది. ఈమధ్య అడపా దడపా కొన్ని సినిమాలు వచ్చినా, అవీన్నీ పెద్ద పెద్ద నటులతోనో, పెద్ద పెద్ద డైరెక్టర్లతోనో ఇంకేవేవో కమర్షియల్ హంగులు దిద్దుకునే వచ్చాయి. కానీ "కేరాఫ్ కంచరపాలెం" మాత్రం ఇవేవీ ఇసుమంతైనా లేని, సినిమా ఫార్ములా ని తిరగరాసే సినిమాగా తెలుగులో నిలిచిపోయే "గొప్ప" సినిమా.

ఇలాంటి సినిమాలు తెలుగులో రాలేదని చెప్పలేం, వచ్చాయి, ఒకప్పుడు వస్తూ ఉండేవి, నిన్నమొన్నటి తరం డైరెక్టర్లు ఎందరో గొప్ప అనుభూతిని మిగిల్చే సినిమాలు తీశారు. కానీ ఈ సినిమా మాత్రం అన్నిటికన్నా ప్రత్యేకం. తీసుకున్న కధనం, దాన్ని తెరపైకెక్కించిన వైనం, నటీ నటులు, టెక్నీషియన్స్ ఇలా అన్నీ నిజంగానే అద్భుతం. అంతకు మించి 150 నిమిషాలపాటు ఒక ఊరిలో అన్ని పాత్రలచుట్టూ మనల్నీ పరిభ్రమింపజేస్తూ, ఆ పాత్రలతో ఆ ఊరిలో మనమూ ఒకరమైపోయేంతగా మనల్ని కట్టిపడేసి మామూలుగా మొదలై, మెల్లి మెల్లిగా ఎన్నో భావోద్వేగాలకి గురిచేస్తూ చివరికి ఒక గొప్ప అనుభూతితో మనల్ని బయటికి తీసుకురావటం ఈ సినిమా గొప్పతనం. వచ్చాకా కొన్ని రోజులవరకైనా అందులోని పాత్రలు మనల్నీ మన ఆలోచనల్నీ తమ చుట్టూనే తిప్పుకోవటం మరీ అద్భుతం.

"ఏయ్ సుందరం, నీ చొక్కా చాలా బావుంది, రాణీ రంగు నాకు చాలా ఇష్టం" లాంటి మాటలతో ఇద్దరి చిన్నపిల్లల మధ్య ప్రేమ నుంచీ, టీనేజి, మధ్య వయసూ, యాభై దగ్గరలో ప్రేమలలోని వ్యత్యాసాలనూ ఒక ఊరిలో జరిగిన నాలుగు జంటలమధ్య చూపిస్తూ మనల్ని కాసేపు ఒక్కో జంట వెంబడి నడిపిస్తూ వారితో ఆ ఊరిలోకి తీసుకెళ్ళి మనమూ వారందరితోనే ఉంటూ వారి భావోద్వేగాలు పంచుకుంటూ ఎన్నెన్నో అనుభూతులకి గురిచేస్తూ, రెండున్నర గంటల్లోనే ఒక జీవితాన్ని పూర్తిగా చూసిన అనుభూతినివ్వగలగటం ఈ సినిమా ప్రత్యేకత. ఎందరో చెప్పినట్టుగానే రెండు సార్లు చూసి, రెండు రాకాల అనుభూతుల్ని పొందటం ఈ సినిమా మరో ప్రత్యేకత. మన చుట్టూ ఉన్న మనుషులనే, మనం రోజూ చూసే లాంటి పరిసరాలనే ఈ సినిమాలో తెరపై చూస్తూ అందంగా, ఆనందంగా ఫీల్ అయ్యాక, ఒక సారి ఆలోచిస్తే మనం నిజంగానే సహజత్వాన్ని మరిచి జీవిస్తున్నామా అన్న ఆలోచనా ఈ సినిమాతో కలగక మానదు. చెప్పకనే ఎన్నో మానవ విలువల్నీ ఇందులో ఎంతో సహజంగానూ, మరెంతో గొప్పగానూ చెప్తూ చూపెట్టారు.

ఈ సినిమాకి పనిచేసిన ప్రతి ఒక్కరూ అభినందనీయులే, ప్రతి క్యారెక్టరూ ప్రశంశించదగ్గదే. డైరెక్టర్ ఆలోచనా ప్రతిభనీ, ముందుకొచ్చిన నిర్మాతనీ కొనియాడక తప్పదు. డైరెక్టర్ ఆలోచన్లని యధాతదంగా స్వేచ్ఛగా తీయనిస్తే ఇలాంటి సినిమాలు తప్పక వస్తాయి. సినిమా అనే గొప్ప కళని కొద్దిమంది కట్టడి చేస్తూ దాని దారీ తెన్నూ మార్చేసి, సినిమా గొప్పతనాన్ని కోట్లల్లో కొలిచే ఈ రోజుల్లో ఇలాంటి సినిమా వచ్చి అందరి కళ్ళూ తెరిపించటం శుభపరిణామం. కానీ ఈ పరిణామం ఎంతవరకూ నిలుస్తుందీ అన్నది వేచి చూడాలి. నిస్సంకోచంగా ఇది డైరెక్టర్ సినిమా. కానీ ఆ డైరెక్టర్ ని ఇప్పుడే కోట్ల కొద్దీ ఆఫర్లిచ్చి క్యూలు కట్టి వేలిచూపుతో సుమోలూ, రైళ్ళూ, విమానాలూ, ర్యాకెట్లూ తిప్పే హీరోల్ని పెట్టి వారికున్న ట్యాలెంట్ ని మట్టిపాలు చేయరని ఆశిద్దాం.

సినిమా చివర్లో టైటిల్స్ తోబాటు వచ్చే, ఈ సినిమా లోని క్యారెక్టర్లనే ఓ ఆర్టిస్ట్ గీసిన బొమ్మలు కూడా అద్భుతం. కళని కళ్ళతోనే కాక మనసుతోనూ చూడగలిగే కళాస్ఫూర్తి ఉంటే నిస్సంకోచంగా "కేరాఫ్ కంచరపాలెం" ఒక అద్భుతమైన కళా చిత్రం!

Details
Title: C/O Kancherapalem
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: A great Telugu Movie, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Don't limit yourself...

Portrait of Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood actress
An attempt with Ink and Watercolors on Paper

Don't limit yourself, go beyond the possibilities and explore your abilities. I knew before I started, that it is certainly not an easy portrait to get it perfect. Each person has ones own unique signature feature, catching that and getting it right is the magic of doing a perfect portrait. Madhuri Dixit has many such unique features and capturing all well is the only way to get her perfect. I think I did not succeed in getting all those in this attempt. Hoping I will get closer in my next attempt ;)

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible."
- Arthur C. Clarke

Happy Painting!

Details
Title: Portrait of Madhuri Dixit
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: A picture of Madhuri Dixit, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Simple yet most beautiful...

Indian woman in Saree - Ink & Watercolors on Paper

Saree is the most beautiful outfit for a woman. Woman looks womanly in this Indian traditional outfit. Slowly Indian women started to prefer western outfit for functions and parties. Those who still prefer and wear Saree on any given day are the ones who look Simple yet most Beautiful.

"You don't need really expensive clothes to look cute" - Christy Romano

Happy Painting!

Details
Title:  Woman in Saree
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: A picture of Singer Sunita in Saree, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Don't just make it, make it Great!

Dancing with Krishna - Oil on Canvas

Though I started this painting an year ago, I spent many hours during past few weeks to take it this far and took a pause, signed and dated. This is the first Painting that when it was still wet in paint, went on display in public, a day after I signed, and before I even posted it on my blog & social networks. Last week, it was displayed at an India classical dance event Shringara Triveni in Littleton, MA, USA which was based on the theme- Love for Krishna. This painting was so appropriate at that event which also had an Art exhibition going on by Kalakruti and students of an Art school. I had put a price-tag of "make your own offer". When people showed interest to buy, it was hard pricing my sincere efforts on this Painting. The enthusiasm this painting created at the show among viewers for Art and Dance was itself priceless for me. Few people asked for the price and many people stopped by staring at it for minutes and talking with me to know many details. One common question that I get these days at shows like this is - Do you teach Painting?. My answer so far has always been: No, I am still a learner. Who knows, what is there awaiting for me in future ;)

Indian Classical Dance has been one of few themes I chose and did a series of Paintings already. My second finished Oil Painting of Dancing Krishna (alone in the universe), created a new theme, Krishna for me for a series. This Painting fits in both the themes: Indian Classical Dance and Krishna. It was only a co-incidence that Krishna continues to dance in this series, but this time, the Love for Krishna joined and seen dancing along with his inseparable Flute and Peacock Feather. It has 4 dancers in it. Also, every painting has an unseen person in it, the Artist him-self/her-self.

Though I signed and dated it already, in coming weeks I will be giving it minor finishing touches before it goes on into a frame and finds a place to live. This is yet another Painting that makes me feel great and inspires me every single time I take a look at it. Of course, it did not happen just like that. It has many many hours of sincere efforts and dedication went into it.

"A great work is made out of a combination of obedience and liberty" - Nadia Boulanger

Happy Painting!

Details
Title:  Dancing with Krishna
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts...

Size: 36" x 24" (91.5 cm x 60 cm)

Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Raj Kapoor and Nargis...

Raj Kapoor and Nargis - Watercolors on Paper

Dedicated to Javed Akthar Ji for his wonderful lyrics from the movie Silsila.

मैं और मेरी तन्हाई, अक्सर ये बातें करते हैं

तुम होती तो कैसा होता, तुम ये कहती, तुम वो कहती

तुम इस बात पे हैरां होती, तुम उस बात पे कितनी हँसती

तुम होती तो ऐसा होता, तुम होती तो वैसा होता

मैं और मेरी तन्हाई, अक्सर ये बातें करते हैं...

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet." - Plato

Happy Painting!

Details
Title:  Portrait of Love
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: Raj Kapoor, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Let your today be...

Ink and Watercolors on Paper

Let your today be an inspiration for you, tomorrow. When you open your book of past and flip through pages of days, let those touch your inner spirits and wake them up again and again. The only one who is con(si)stantly there with you and for you in this world is "yourself". Don't lose your-self...

Happy Painting!

"In the struggle between yourself and the world, second the world."

-Franz Kafka, novelist (3 Jul 1883-1924)

Details
Title:  A portrait
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: Random Pictures Aishwarya Rai came across, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

From Montreal, Canada...

French Shops in Old Quebec City, Canada

It was a wonderful experience in Canada walking along the streets of Old Quebec City and Old Montreal City. Both cities are totally French filled with all French restaurants, shops and architecture. This is a quick sketch of Old Quebec French shop, done in Montreal, on a fine morning. The day started with this quick sketch, another day to go visiting Montreal Museum of Fine Arts...

Keep Painting, Keep experiencing life.

"It's a lovely experience walking around a museum by yourself." - Brad Pitt

Details
Title:  French shops
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: French culture in Old Quebec City and Old Montreal, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

From Quebec City...

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City, CANADA
Ink & Watercolors on Paper

It's been wonderful experience visiting all French Structures in Old Quebec City, CANADA. This is one of the beautiful sculptures in front of Fairmont Le Chanteau Frontenac that I couldn't resist doing a fast sketch in Quebec City, as a memory of my visit to this city.

Great experience and now that went into my Art...
Keep Painting, Keep experiencing...

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing."
- Camille Pissarro

Details
Title:  Fairmont Le Chanteau Frontenac
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: French Sculpture and Architecture, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

ఎవరికోసం...

Based on a picture of Mehreen (Telugu Actress)

Ink & Watercolors on Paper

ఎవరికోసం ఈ బొమ్మలన్నీ

ఎందుకేస్తున్నానో

వేస్తూ ఎక్కడికెళుతున్నానో 

నాకే అర్ధం కాదు

కానీ వెయ్యాలి

ఏదో వేసెయ్యాలి

ఏవేవో గీసెయ్యాలి

అదే తపన

అలా రూపుదిద్దుకునేవే

ఈ పిచ్చి గీతలూ..వాటికద్దే రంగులూ

. . . .

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." - Dale Carnegie

Gifted this to one of my good friends Kumar, who actually wanted to buy it as a memory!
When I did this, I was wondering why I was painting at all. Thanks Kumar for the affection you showed to my Paintings, you deserve this as a gift from me! I didn't want to lose that opportunity ;)

Aslo, after hiking few hours with friends, families and kids, while I was presenting this gift right after lunch, I came to know that his birthday was coming up in 3 days. That was even better, my Painting had a purpose then as an advanced b'day gift! A moment to cherish for long time! Hope my Paintings when started had reasons, find occasions and make into new homes.

Kumar and me with the original Painting framed and gifted.

Keep yourself occupied...all the time, be with your heart. None in the world can be a better match to you other than yourself!

Happy painting!

Details
Title:  Mehreen (Telugu Actress)......
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: Mehreen's picture, Passion for Arts...

Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

My Dad my first Guru...

My Dad was my first Guru

నాన్నా,

ఊహొచ్చాక నీతో కలిసెళ్ళిన పార్క్ ఏ
ఇప్పటికీ నాకందమైన ఉద్యాన వనం

నీ చేత్తో కాగితంపై నువు చెక్కిన నా పేరే
ఈనాటికీ నాకిష్టమైన అక్షరాల అపురూపం

తొమ్మిదేళ్ళకే నేనందుకున్న నీ ఉత్తరాలే
ఈనాటికీ చెక్కు చెదరని జ్ఞాపకాలు

నువ్వు చూసిన నువు తిరిగిన ఆ చోట్లే
ఇప్పటికీ నేను నిన్నెతుక్కునే ప్రదేశాలు

ఆ దేవుడెదురైతే నేనడిగే మొదటి ప్రశ్న
నాన్న ప్రేమని లాక్కెళ్ళే హక్కు నీకెక్కడిదనే!

. . .

Happy Father's Day!

Keep Going...

Underpainting - Lakshmi - Oil On Canvas

Underpainting Saraswathi - Oil on Canvas

Underpainting is the first step in Oil Painting. Started two at the same time. These two Goddesses: Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi are going to be companion to my previous Lord Vighneswara Painting. Three together are going to be a nice Collection to have in any home they find...
Keep Painting...the only way to get going!!

"As long as you keep going, you'll keep getting better. And as you get better, you gain more confidence. That alone is success."
- Tamara Taylor

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Dream of Life...

Size: 20" x 20" (50.8 cm x 50.8 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Professional Level 3 - Gallery Wrapped Heavy Duty Canvas

Follow your dreams...

Glowing Ganesha - Oil on Canvas

Once it was only a dream, and now becoming a reality. Oil Painting was my dream media, and I was dreaming about it for many many years. Zeal was never a constraint, but time and resources were. I won my first battle with time, and it helped me follow my dream.

With each finished Painting, I feel more comfortable with it. And, it comes closer to my dreaming (he)art. This is my third finished Oil Painting. Finished in painting means- stopped & signed. There is nothing like finished in Painting. My previous two oil paintings took several weekends, I finished it in just two weekends. My dreams were so long and I still have a long way to follow...

This is Lord Vighneswara based on a Bronze sculpture I received as a Gift from my Sister Chinni.

Keep Painting, keep following your dreams, never stop! Happy Painting!!

"Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don't give up." - Rachel Corrie

Details
Title: Glowing Ganesha
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Dream of Life...

Size: 24" x 30" (60.9 cm x 76.2 cm)

Surface: Artist's Loft Professional Level 3 - Gallery Wrapped Heavy Duty Canvas