Sunday, May 12, 2019

Waiting...


Waiting...
Ink and Watercolors on Paper 8.5" x 11"    

There is always a day waiting for you as you are waiting for the day. If you can see yourself beyond today, you will find yourself in peace there.

"When you've seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there."
- George Harrison

Happy Painting!
There is always a day waiting for you!

Details
Title: Waiting...
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration & Reference: Random picture from my collection
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

తీరని ఋణం...

అమ్మతో - Chicago 2000      

అడుగడుగునా జీవిత ప్రవాహాన్ని
ఎదురీది తండ్రీ తల్లీ నువ్వే అయ్యి
ఉన్నంతలో జీవితాన్ని ఉన్నతంగా
తీర్చి దిద్ది నన్నింతవాడిని చేసిన
"అమ్మ"
ఎప్పటికీ నీ కొడుకునయ్యేవరం
నువ్విస్తేనే తప్ప తీరని ఋణం
. . .

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Beauty of Smile...

Beauty of Smile...
Ink and Watercolors on Paper 8.5" x 11"    

Not many women know that the most precious and beautiful Jewel is Smile and it costs nothing. The beauty of Smile is the beauty of the Soul. Soul can only be seen through smile, but of course, can only be touched by Love.

"Love is the beauty of the soul." - Saint Augustine

Happy Painting!
Smile and bring the beauty of your soul out!

Details
Title: Beauty of Smile...
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration & Reference: Random picture from my collection
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Sunday, April 28, 2019

తెలుగుదనం...

"తెలుగుదనం"
Ink and Watercolors on Paper 8.5" x 11"

Being simple and natural is the most difficult in life, now-a-days. When life becomes artificial other things take over the simplicity. Good-old Indian traditions are the most simple yet elegant ones. Indian traditions, and even Girls' outfits have changed overtime. But nothing can be as elegant and as simple as Half Sree- the most beautiful and elegant outfit for Girls, especially for Telugu Girls.

No doubt, this is one of very few sketches I did bit more carefully. I need to make this a habit. My definition of habit is nothing but something that has been followed for years. Also, she is probably the only one I did three sketches in a row. Yet to do many more...

తెలుగుదనం కరువై, రాను రానూ కనుమరుగై పోతున్న ఈరోజుల్లో
ఎక్కడైనా, ఎవరిలోనైనా అది కనిపిస్తే మెచ్చుకుని మురిసిపోక తప్పదు.

“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous.” – Amelia Barr

Happy Painting!
Be simple to stay beautiful!

Details
Title: తెలుగుదనం...
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration & Reference: Picture of very talented Dancer and Telugu Actress Karronya Katrynn
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Portrait of Talent...

"Portrait of Talent"
Watercolors on Paper
(8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Painting portraits is always challenging. Every person has unique features that when not captured nicely make the result doesn't look like the person. Capturing facial features is only one aspect of painting a portrait. Capturing feelings is the essential and the most challenging aspect of it.

This portrait certainly challenged me to the greatest extent. Struggled to get the grasp on it to portray the feel of talent in this Portrait. I think I am very close to capturing the feel of talent in this Portrait, if not captured fully.

"Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter."
- Oscar Wilde

Happy painting!
Sharpen you talent by practice!!

Details
Title: Portrait of Talent
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration & Reference: A video song of very talented Dancer and Telugu Actress Karronya Katrynn
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Saturday, April 6, 2019

తెలుగమ్మాయి...

తెలుగమ్మాయి   
Ink and watercolors on Paper

చక్కని తెలుగు అందం..
చిక్కనైన తెలుగుదనం..
కలగలిపిన శుభప్రదం..
ఈ ఉగాది పర్వదినం...

తెలుగుని అభిమానించే, ప్రేమించే అందరికీ
"ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు"!

"The way you dress is an expression of your personality." -Alessandro Michele

Happy Painting!

Details
Title: తెలుగమ్మాయి
Mediums: Ink and Watercolors on Paper
Inspiration: Photograph of very talented Dancer and Telugu Actress Karronya Katrynn
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Towards your destiny...

Dancing Feet
Oil on Stretched Canvas 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
 

Destiny is not something that we reach by accident or by luck. It is something that we know very well about. But, what we don't know is how to reach. Efforts, efforts, efforts....that is all we need to put in for reaching it.

I have turned many of my thoughts and actions into habits by constantly doing. I always tell myself and others that once something becomes a habit, it is hard to live without it. Thought Art has been my primary hobby since my childhood, I turned it into a habit by re-starting it with sketching. Sketching for almost 2 years every single day on my commute to work on the train, and then constantly practicing every weekend for more than 6 years till date, now it is part of my life. I can't live without doing it. My weekend is not complete without it. It is now that much into me and my life!

This one is a continuation of my series of Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance. I've lost track of the running number of this series already, and cannot count on my fingers and toes anymore. It must be in twenties by now. This is my 12th finished Oil Painting and 3rd this year. If I can reach the magical number 12 by the end of this year, I would reach my goal, 1 per month on an average. That's an aggressive goal with much of time is taken by the busy life of profession, family, friends, books etc.

"Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny."
- Mahatma Gandhi


Happy Painting!
March forward steadily towards your destiny!!

Details
Title: Dancing Feet, Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Mediums: Oil on Stretched Canvas
Reference: A photograph from my collection
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Friends until the end...


Friends forever

Oil Painting requires patience, at every phase of it. It's more like cooking. If you do not have patience in cooking, you turn out to be a bad cook and most likely remain a bad cook for your life. If you only enjoy cooking, but not cutting vegetables before and cleaning dishes after, you are still not a good cook. A good cook needs patience at all phases and must enjoy the complete process of cooking. Similarly, Oil Painting requires quite a bit of setup before you get to touch the canvas with brush. At the end, cleaning brushes & palette is a real test to your patience. I have heard Artists saying- "I hate cleaning brushes". Well, if you hate cleaning brushes, you are not enjoying the process fully ;)

Like many beginners in Oil Painting, I went through the struggles of cleaning palette and brushes. With not knowing techniques, I spoiled expensive brushes and palettes. I also tried disposable wax-coated papers and plastic palettes, and was not happy with either. I do have a couple of wooden palettes, but am scared to touch those as I do not know how to clean dried-up painting on wood. Recently, after watching a youtube video, I made my own palette from a glass, removed from an old frame. I even spent my time quoting one side with gray acrylic paint and adding a thin border all around with duct tape. This one worked out to my best satisfaction and I am quite happy. Cleaning is as easy as scrapping the paint. Of course, I had to visit hardware stores finding a good paint scrapper. Don't try to scrape any other way, nothing works better than a good paint scrapper ;)

You have to learn by experimenting in order to arrive at what works best for you. It's a scientifically proven fact, that the best option is always the last one. To arrive at it, you will have to try all other options. Life is meant to work that way only. If it works any different for anybody, that person is an extraordinary person ;)

After experiencing and knowing what I want, I've decided to invest my money & time to buy expensive palette. This new New Wave Posh Tabletop Palette with corner guards and gray-coated on one side, is my new friend I have now in my journey of Oil Painting.

It's a false belief that only people have hearts. Non-living things do have hearts; only if you can feel. Unlike living people, non-livings do not hurt. All they need is little care, they always give their best to you.

My dear new friends, new palette and brushes, I promise to give you a good care. Let's start our colorful journey on the path of Oil Painting, and make it a memorable journey together...

Happy Painting! Happy caring!!

"Caring- about people, about things, about life- is an act of maturity."
- Tracy McMillan

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Artist Card...

My Artist Card

I have been bit hesitant to say "I am an Artist". But, with all the paintings I have created so far with thousands of hours of sincere efforts put in doing & practicing, I think, I have reached the stage to start marketing my Paintings with no hesitation whatsoever.

When people ask me- do you have a web-site, are you on Facebook, are you on Instagram...I used to say- yes, I can write it down for you. Now, I can simply hand them my card instead. How sweet is that! A printed painting of mine along with my details on it gets into the hands of people who would like to get in touch with me or look at all my works. When they look at the card later, they read my name and can recollect some of my Paintings they had seen in person. Their memory stays un-erased, little longer.

I have a couple of Art shows coming up in March. I will see who gets the first card from my hands ;)

Thanks to Vistaprint customer support person who worked with me on this design. They have such a nice set of people to assist their customers, and their prices are very affordable.

"Quality is the best business plan." – John Lasseter

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Dancing Saree...

Dancing Saree
Oil on Stretched Canvas 2 Feet x 3 Feet (24" x 36"; 60 cm x 91.5 cm)
 

When you stop doing, you stop learning. So, don't stop. Keep going, going....and going...

There is an abandoned Painting underneath this painting. I Gessoed and started this over that.

This is my 11th finished Oil Painting and 2nd this year. I decided to change my signature from now on by joining brush and my name. Don't know why I did, I guess it only looks more professional now ;)

"I am still learning." - Michelangelo

Happy Painting!

Details
Title: Dancing Saree
Mediums: Oil on Stretched Canvas
Reference: A photograph from my collection
Size: 2 Feet x 3 Feet (24" x 36")
Surface: Artist's Loft Stretched Canvas board, Gesso'd to cover an abandoned sketch

Saturday, February 9, 2019

NEVER GROW UP - the book I couldn't put down...

I travelled into Jackie's life  

One of my new-year-resolutions this year, 2019 is- "to read as many books as I can". I have already finished reading 4 books.

This book of Jackie Chan's life made me travel with him through his life from his childhood in the streets of French consulate in Hong Kong where his parents used to work as Chef and Maid, into 'the decade of darkness' (that's his name for that chapter) at rigorous, disciplined School of China Drama Academy (CDA), onto the sets as stuntman, to his venture into movies of Hong Kong, Hollywood, and back to Hong Kong, his family, his first time experiences, his parents, his transformations in life all the way from an ordinary kid into a very rich millionaire who had more dollars than sense, and into an extraordinary human being who is doing amazing things to preserve the heritage of his country and people...

Written in the most simplest words of English language with the flow of a gentle breeze makes this book such an honest presentation of his life. Reading this book and knowing the complete life of a Legendary Star of our time in his honest words is an unforgettable journey of experience.

His focus, dedication, determination, learnings & experiences in life are simply amazing. I truly travelled into his life with this Kung Fu Master of our time. Now, with due respects, I need to watch all his real stunts and risks he took in his movies to entertain his fans all over the world, that resulted in several injuries.

Some good words to cherish from this book:

Never Grow Up - Jackie Chan (Translated by Jeremy Tiang)
~~~~ . ~~~~ . ~~~~ . ~~~~

Hollywood filmmakers not only learn from China, they tell Chinese stories too. When someone is better than us at something, we ought to admit it.

First time when I met Steven Spielberg, I asked him about the special effects for E.T. “How did you make it look so real, people and dinosaurs side by side?” He said, “Oh, that’s simple, I just keep pushing buttons- button, button, button. What about your films? How did you do all those dangerous stunts, jumping off rooftops and over cliffs”? I said, “Oh, that’s even simpler. It’s just rolling, action, jump, cut, hospital!”

When you have experience and standards, and show respect for people and property, you are respected in return.

To make good impression, all you have to do is talk to people, look them in the eye, and show them respect and love. I give newcomers a chance and take care of them so that they have every opportunity to shine. All those good practices and intentions come back to you.

Why wait for special day to remember the people important to us? If someone means a lot to you, then every day is Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or Mother’s Day.

About his son Jaycee (JC a name coined from initials of Jackie Chan by Jackie Chan) when he was having all lights left on in the bathroom and closets and said it makes him feel more alive: “You’re only saying that because I’m the one who pays the bills. Don’t waste energy.”

Some people are forever chasing luxury products, but there is no end to this, and they will never be satisfied. If we already have more than enough, we shouldn’t ask for more.

Any artistic endeavor has a way of forcing you to explore new sides of yourself, which can be annoying in the moment but is worthwhile in the end.

My grandfather said, “I hope one day you understand that life isn’t only about work, but there are more important things to care about. And if you neglect them, you might find one day that you’ve left it too late.

You have to be good to your elders while they’re still alive. Don’t wait until it is too late and then do the rituals, like burning paper money, for them.

My parent’s story is ordinary and extraordinary. I am very lucky to have been their child, and I know they were proud of me, too.

“Whatever you do, heaven is watching.” I make sure that in everything I do, I’m not letting down my country or my people. I can only do what I think is right. As long as I haven’t gone against my conscience, then I’m happy, and that’s how it’s been for many years.

Some say that connections between people are just a matter of fate, and I am grateful that I’ve connected with so many fans in this lifetime. I dedicate these words to all my lovable, crazy fans.

The world isn’t that big, but it’s not that small either, and connections between two human beings are always a little mystical.

Whenever I hesitated, I recalled my stunt team’s motto: “We don’t ask why, we just do or die.”

~~~~ . ~~~~ . ~~~~ . ~~~~ 

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” - Mark Twain

Happy Reading & Healthy Living!!

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Just enough is more than enough...

A Sketch for an Oil Painting
Oil on Canvas, 2 Feet x 3 Feet (24" x 36")

I see some of my Artist friends spend too much time in getting more details into a sketch for an Oil/Acrylic Painting. From my learnings, failure & successful experiences, sketching is an important first-step in Painting, but it must be fast and fairly accurate. It is the beginning phase with which an Artist can quickly decide on the composition and do quick outlines of the main objects with just minimal details.

Oil Painting, particularly is relatively longer anyways, and offers opportunities for corrections at any and every given stage. So, there is no need to spend too much time upfront on the details. Even if you put in all the details, they go away covered by paints once you start painting. As long as the composition and proportions look fairly accurate and good to you, that is good enough. I wouldn't spend more than 15 to 30 minutes on sketching for an Oil Painting.

Many professional oil-painting Artists do sketches very quickly. If a more detailed study is needed they do it separately on a Paper with a pencil or a pen. Good Painters are also good at drawing and sketching. I have seen and heard people saying that Painting doesn't require any experience with drawing. That is a complete-lie and totally wrong. It's like saying, you don't need to know how to walk in order to run. Drawing skills are basics in Art. Aspiring Artists must practice and keep practicing basics. There might be shortcuts for earning money, but not in learning. Practice is the only way! The more you practice, the more you learn and the better you will be.

Learning is a life-long process. The moment we step into this world, our learning starts. We only graduate in life moments before we die, if we live a full-life, of course. Those who don't make it that far are only dropouts.

This sketch with left over oil-paints is fairly big in size, 2 feet x 3 feet (24" x 36") and I spent about 30 minutes to do both my sketch and underpainting. I am all set now for another colorful journey, can't wait to get my hands dirty with Paints all over ;)

"He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough." - Lao Tzu

Happy Painting!
Do not stop learning, do not stop growing!

The progress - Step by step

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Reference: A photograph from my collection
Size: 2 Feet x 3 Feet (24" x 36")
Surface: Artist's Loft Stretched Canvas board, Gesso'd to cover an abandoned sketch

Monday, January 21, 2019

Grow young...

Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Oil on Canvas 22" x 28" (55.8 cm x 71.1 cm)

You are born only once and you celebrate your birthday each year. But, you can be reborn and celebrate it everyday with your passion. There is a reason behind every life in nature. Everything that happens in and around your life is only supportive for that. It takes long time to find it out. Once found, live with a passion for it. Then only you will grow, and grow young...

This Oil Painting is my Gift to myself on my Birthday today. I worked hard to finish it by today. Happy to start my day by giving finishing touches to it, finished and signed.

This is my 10th finished Oil Painting, first this year. The color combination was bit challenging. I changed background colors few times and finally settled with the same prime colors of the main painting. First time on this brand of canvas, it challenged me to great extent.

"It takes a long time to become young." - Pablo Picasso

Happy Painting!
Grow young and stay young forever!!

Details
Title: Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph from my digital collection
Size: 22" x 28" (55.8 cm x 71.1 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft, Level-2, Stretched Canvas board

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Enjoy the outcome..

Oil on Canvas - work in progress
Video Credits: Bhuvan Pottepalem

Several people have been saying to me lately that it's easy for me, and I do Paintings just like that. No, that's not true. In fact, nothing is easy for me in life. There is only sheer hard work behind every result and every success of mine.

"The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest." - Deepika Padukone

Happy Painting!
Work hard and enjoy the outcome of it!!

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Smile with colors...

Smile with Colors
Watercolors on Paper - 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Smile with colors, the natural colors within you. Then a day of any kind will shine on you with the smiling colors within you.

"Colors are the smiles of nature." - Leigh Hunt

Happy painting! Keep exploring the natural colors within you!

Details
Title: Smile with Colors
Mediums: Watercolors and Ink on Paper
Reference: A random Photograph from my Digital Library
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Details do matter...

Details - Oil On Canvas 22" x 28" (56 cm x 71 cm)
A tiny portion of my new Painting

Details do matter. A big picture is a sum of many details, with each detail crafted carefully and blended into another. Each day in life is nothing but a detailed memory. A series of memories becomes an experience. Not giving importance to details is like neglecting memories.

Artists take viewers into details at various levels. Abstract or detailed, it doesn't matter in Art. A painting of any kind takes viewers into its own level of details. An abstract painting may take into higher level of details, while a detailed painting may take into the deeper levels. A viewer can feel the experience of an Artist only when gone inside, into the details of it.

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."
- William Morris

Don't be abstract in life, give details, and pay attention to details!
Happy Painting!

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Size: 22" x 28" (56 cm x 71 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Monday, December 31, 2018

Looking back 2018 - The Year of Oil Painting with a Soulful experience...

Looking Back 2018
The Year of Oil Painting with a Soulful experience

As another year goes into history books, it is that time of the year to look back before saying "Goodbye". The year 2018 is a great year for my Art with remarkable memories and milestones along the path. Following are just some of those to cherish forever:
  • Accepted the challenge and did a live painting in 30 minutes organized by Calcutta Club, USA. The painting was auctioned at the end to raise funds for a charity. It was the first live painting experience for me and I enjoyed it fully.
  • Also, performed another live painting at Sanskriti 2018, an Indian Book Fair and Literature Festival at which Shobha De was the keynote speaker.
  • Approached by TANA to do a cover page for Ugadi issue, TANA magazine. Very first time for my painting to appear on a cover page for a magazine, was certainly an honor.
  • My Engineering classmate and one of my good friends, Kiran dedicated a song sung by him to my Art, what an honor by another talent!
  • Exhibited my Paintings along with fellow Kalakruti Artists at a couple of events including the annual conference,  Learnquest Music Academy in which one of my watercolor paintings got Sold. Thanks to Mrs. Sukanya Lahiri Soderland from Winchester, MA who owned my painting.
  • Designed a CD cover for a spiritual music album done by Mrs. Shuchita Rao which was officially released at this year's Learnquest Music Academy annual conference. Thanks Shuchita Rao garu for approaching me giving me this opportunity.
  • Did a series of watercolor paintings inspired by the movie, Rangasthalam. with the first sketch done at Chennai Air Port on the way to my hometown Nellore while I had to wait for an hour for my sister Indira
  • Took Dancing Krishna painting with me to Nellore, India, got it framed and gifted to my brother Sridhar. Dedicated it to my beloved Baamma without whom I wouldn't have been what I am today.
  • Visited my favorite book-stall ChelvaPilla Book Stores, Kavali after nearly 25 years. Buying a pen and a pencil selected by the owner Lakshmi Narayana garu was the most memorable experience of this year.
  • Painted Lord Ganesha, based a gift that I got from my sister Chinni, both in Watercolors and in Oil.
  • Created special morning time during my summer Canada trip with the family, and did sketches from the hotels we stayed in Quebec City and Montreal, Canada.
  • Made two sculptures Lord Ganesha and a Woman bust with Natural Clay.
  • Visited two Art Museums: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
  • Gifted a few paintings to friends and family.
  • Painted statues of Goddess Durga, Radha and Krishna at Sri Sai Chavadi Temple, Canton, MA.
  • Displayed two of my paintings selected in a juried Art Show organized by Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Pawtucket, RI.
  • Concluded this year with an Oil Painting as my tribute to Indian Classical Dance.

I am absolutely pleased with my dedication, efforts, participations and museum visits this year. My summer visit to two Art museums, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Canada and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA hooked me to Oil Painting. I did more Oil Paintings this year that I could ever imagine to do in the shortest possible time. The sizes vary from small (11" x 14") to very big (3 feet x 2 feet). Also, styles vary from realism to abstract.

That's a fantastic soulful of satisfaction. With several professional-quality Oil Paintings done, this year, I took my Art to new levels. I can certainly declare 2018 year as "The year of Oil Painting" in my life. Once a dream media, Oil Painting, is not a dream media any more. I am glad that I could live up to the title of my blog My Soul on Canvas. When I started this blog, my heart-felt title is fulfilled now. I am looking forward to put more of my soul on the canvas in 2019 with new goals set at new heights.

Thanks to all friends on Facebook for their likes and encouraging comments. Thanks to people who took time to visit my paintings & read my writings (my another passion) on my blog and shared their feelings by comments. Also, thanks to Art lovers on Instagram who loved my Arts.

“Moving on is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard.” - Dave Mustaine

Thank you very much 2018, a Soulful Goodbye!

Welcome to 2019! Happy New (Painting) Year!!
నూతన సంవత్సర శుభాకాంక్షలు!!!

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Bonded with Love...

Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance Oil on Canvas 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Oil on Canvas 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)

I wanted to end this year with a Painting that I would be bonded with love. I never struggled this much to start a new Painting. I started a couple of underpainting sketches on canvas, but was not happy and scrapped those at the early stages.

I already had a rough underpainting sketch done for this Painting about a month ago, but I was not happy with my start. As I messed up body proportions, I kept it aside. I picked it up again and said to myself, 'this is the subject close my my heart, and I cannot leave it like that, I will have to complete it'. I corrected proportions as I was progressing. The size is bit small for getting this kind of output, and I had to put more efforts to get the outcome I wanted.

I am glad that I picked up this and I am quite happy with the result. This is my 9th finished Oil Painting, and 7th one this year alone. With that, I conclude this year, 2018. This is not the first time I leaned the fact that 'when we add love to what you do, we achieve excellence'.

"Love is the bond of perfection." - John Winthrop

Happy Painting!
Keep up the good work!!

Details
Title: Nátyánjali - My tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph of Dream Girl - Hema Malini from my collection
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Friday, December 28, 2018

Happy Holidays...

Self Portrait
Watercolors on Paper 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

I have done portraits of many people, but haven't done one of my own yet, seriously. This one is just a very quick watercolor self portrait, not sort of a serious painting yet ;)

My better self is still waiting for my better self-portrait.

"Be yourself, but always your better self." - Karl G. Maeser

Happy Holidays!
Happy painting!!

Details
Title: Selfie
Mediums: Watercolors on Paper
Reference: A photograph by my Son
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Colorful Study...

A colorful study for an Oil Painting
Watercolors on Paper 8.5" x 11" (21.5cm x 27.9 cm) 

Artists study their subjects by sketching first in a different media. Pencil, Charcoal, Ink, Watercolors are common media as they give quickest way to study various aspects of it like, values, depth, composition etc.

This is a Colorful Study - a study done in watercolors for my next Oil Painting. Colors speak one language, the language of colors, the language of the universe!

Hopefully, I will conclude this year by this.

“Colors speak all languages.” – Joseph Addison

Happy painting!
Merry Christmas!!

Details
Mediums: Watercolors on Paper
Reference: A random photograph I came across
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Strengthen yourself...

Oil on Canvas
16" x 20" (40cm x 50cm)

You can only strengthen yourself and your skills by doing, doing and doing more. Believe in yourself, in your abilities and in your hard work.

This is a different attempt in Oil on Canvas. This is my 8th finished Oil Painting of which 6th finished this year alone. I am happy, once taken months to finish an Oil Painting now came down to days. It's only the practice that makes you get better at doing anything.

"The undertaking of a new action brings new strength." - Richard L. Evans

Happy Painting!
Keep the journey going!
Never stop for anybody, and for anything!!!

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Saturday, December 15, 2018

బంగారు బాబు...

"బంగారు బాబు"
Watercolors on Paper (8.5" x 11")

"బంగారు బాబు" - ఇలానే పిలుచుకుంటా నా "భువన్" ని ప్రతి రోజూ.
నన్ను చూసిన మొదటి క్షణమే చిరునవ్వులు చిందిస్తూ నా జీవితంలోకొచ్చి...
"ఐ లవ్ యూ భువన్" అన్న ప్రతి సారీ తిరిగి "ఐ లవ్ యూ నాన్నా" అంటూ..
నా జీవితంలో ఆనందాన్ని నింపే నా "బంగారు బాబు" భువన్ కి 

"పుట్టినరోజు శుభాకాంక్షలు!"
- ప్రేమతో
నాన్న


Details
Title:  బంగారు బాబు
Mediums: Watercolors on Paper
Reference: A photograph I took
Size: 8.5" x 11" (21.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
Surface: Artist's Loft Sketchbook, 75 lb/110 gm2 Acid-free Paper

Saturday, December 8, 2018

From the heart, onto the easel, into the frame...

Woman with Pot
Oil on Canvas - 36" x 24" (91.5 cm x 60 cm)

Paintings have long life, Oil Paintings live even longer. They are born from the heart of an Artist, go onto the easel to take a shape, and finally go into a Frame. Not every Art piece makes it's way into a frame and live longer. Of course, Art Galleries is their ultimate destination to live forever. Art is already an opinionated and crowded world.

I am happy that these two Oil Paintings made their way into Frames. They still need to be seen by public in upcoming Art shows and displays. For now, my home is their home...only until they find a new home!

Dancing Radha Krishna
Oil on Canvas - 24" x 36" (60 cm x 91.5 cm)

"We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours."
- Dag Hammarskjold

Happy Painting!
Happy Achievements!!

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Size: 36" x 24" (91.5 cm x 60 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Sunday, December 2, 2018

The New Beginning...

The New Beginning - work in progress...
Oil on Canvas 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50cm)

Every day is a new beginning, a new Beginning of Hope in life. Nature wakes up everyday with light. The light of hope to extend life. Those who jump out of the bed early are eager to get something extra out of the day given. That something extra is what the life doesn't offer, otherwise. Always, keep up the spirit of extra achievements in the light of hope. Never end the hope, just keep it in the beginnings, always with a New Beginning.

This is the beginning of my new Oil Painting on Canvas. Hoping to have a great experience along the way, as always!

"In the life of the spirit there is no ending that is not a beginning."
- Henrietta Szold

Progressing at a steady pace...

Happy Painting!
Happy New Beginnings!!

Details
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Giving Thanks...

Hands of Light
Oil On Canvas 11"x14" (28cm x 36cm)

We come across many people in life. Some make us laugh, some make us cry. Some make us think, some make us go blank. Some make us learn, some make us teach. Some inspire us, some get inspired by us. Some give us, some take from us. Some hate us, some love us. Some darken our souls, some lighten our souls. Each one comes and goes with a purpose leaving some impact on us. Our thinking, attitude and actions get influenced by all. Good or bad, we do learn from all. Hence, we must be thankful to all.

Art has become part of my life now. It used to be a part of me once, and went away for many years. It came back and I can proudly say, I will have it with me till my last breath. With all due respects, on this day of Thanksgiving, I thank everyone in my life who inspire me, who make me laugh, who make me cry, who make me learn, who love me, who hate me, who appreciate me, and even who criticize me...

Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Painting!!

"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
- John F. Kennedy
Details
Title:  Hands of Light
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph
Size: 11" x 14" (28 cm x 36 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Thursday, November 8, 2018

First-of-its-kind Art Exhibition for my Paintings...

Juried Art Show - RIWS, Rhode Island, USA
Nov 10, 2018 - Jan 3, 2019

First-of-it's-kind Art Exhibition for my Paintings, having gone through Juried selection process, I am very happy to know that 2 of my Paintings (a Watercolor and an Oil) made to the Juried exhibition for this year's Artists Choice Open Juried Show organized by Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Rhode Island, USA. There are about 60 Art works by 40 Artists from New England Region that made to this selection. My Paintings will be on display at this show from Nov 10, 2018 to Jan 3, 2019.

The Watercolor Painting goes for Sale. My heart is not ready to put a price on my very first Oil Painting yet!

Here is the link: Selected Artists and Art Work Titles

The following are my works selected by the Jury:

Natyanjali - My Tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Oil On Canvas, 22" x 28" (56 cm x 71 cm)
NOT FOR SALE
Kuchipudi - My Tribute to Indian Classical Dance
Watercolors on Paper 16" x 24" (40cm x 50cm)
FOR SALE

"It's not our art, but our heart that's on display." - Gary Holland

Details
Exhibition:  Artists Choice Open Juried Show for New England Artists
Place:
  Rhode Island Watercolor Society (Art Gallery),
  Slater Memorial Park,
  831 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket, RI 02861
Dates: Nov 10, 2018 to Jan 3, 2019

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Learn with Passion...

Woman in Saree (abstract)
Oil on Canvas 18" x 24" (45.72 cm x 60.96 cm)

This is based on my own line sketch that I did in 1994. I never thought I would do it again after 24 years in Oil. As I was going through my collection of my college-days-art-memories, this one ignited my inspiration.

My journey with Oil Painting recently took a scenic route and I have been enjoying the ride and the lovely experience. This time, getting little away from my style- realism, I wanted to attempt in abstract style. From start to finish it took about 3-to-4 hours. This is only my 6th finished Oil Painting, 4th this year, and the fastest so far. Also, I painted most of it with knife, did little brush work on the background.

My dream media, I love Oil Painting. Life is a learning. So, learn with passion. Learn from what you do. What you learn becomes your asset.

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
- Anthony J. D'Angelo

Happy Painting!!

Details
Title:  Woman in Saree (abstract)
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: My own sketch I did in 1994
Size: 18" x 24" (45.72 cm x 60.96 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Don't just dream...

Woman with Pot
Oil on Canvas 36" x 24" (91.5 cm x 60 cm)

You must dream and put sincere efforts in making your dreams (be)come true. In fact, dreams are the best way to dissolve yourself in the process of evolving. They help renew yourself and your creativity. Also, when you dream, dream high and gauge your creations constantly to improve your talent. Having talent and not putting it into action & constant practice is equivalent to not having it all. You can always think "I can do anything". But, only by doing it, you will come to know if you "can" really do it or not.

I always say, Oil Painting has been my dream media since my childhood. As I work more and more with it, my dreams not only become true but also get bigger and go higher, setting my-own new targets and expectations up for myself. At the end of every attempt, I go through a natural process of my own evaluation. This process helps me finding mistakes. Those mistakes are nothing but opportunities of improvements that I missed and can apply in my next attempts.

When I started a sketch for this painting, I felt I had a good beginning. A good beginning can always be expected to have a good ending. My four-day journey spanning three-week-end-days with several hours of total involvement each day, along the path from the beginning to the ending of this painting, was a joyful meditation. The ending is even more joyful. This gave me fully satisfied result and makes an unique addition to my creations of Art. I would certainly say, this is one of my best so far. But the best of the best is yet to come out, one day...

There is a hidden secret in this painting. A full-blown Lord Ganesha in Acrylic is hidden underneath this Painting. I actually started my first Acrylic painting of Lord Ganesha on this canvas. But I was very unhappy with the media and the first-layer outcome. Despite buying the best Professional quality paints and complete brush-set spending big bucks, trying all kinds of techniques and making couple of extra trips to Art Stores to buy add-on liquids to extend it's drying time, it was drying as fast as watercolors. I was totally disappointed and upset with Acrylics. I decided not to waste my time anymore, Acrylics is not my type of media. Then I applied Gesso over it and started this painting in Oil. That's the beauty of Canvas, it can be reused ;)

This Painting is just born today. After 6 to 9 months, I will give it a special varnish coat to preserve and extend it's life and frame it. I am hoping, being born as an Oil Painting, this painting will have longer life wherever it finds it's permanent residence, could be my home or some one else's. The life of a painting is longer than the Artist's. A portion of my he(art) and soul continues to live forever in this painting!

Always give your best in anything you do. There is nothing more satisfying than that in the world!

Happy Painting!!

"Build your life on your dreams, because dreams never have bad endings."
-M.F. Moonzajer

Details
Title:  Woman with Pot
Mediums: Oil on Canvas
Inspiration: Passion for Arts, Dream for Oil Painting
Reference: A photograph I have come across
Size: 36" x 24" (91.5 cm x 60 cm)
Surface: Stretched Canvas board

Friday, October 26, 2018

అత్యుత్తమం, అత్యద్భుతం!



ఒక్క పాటలో ఇన్ని హావభావాలా...పద పదం తో, ప్రతి సంగీత తరంగంలో కలసి... కేవలం కళ్ళతో, నవ్వుతో ఇంత అందంగానూ, ఇంత అద్భుతంగానూ పయనించొచ్చా?  అసలు కళ్ళు పాడగలవా...నవ్వు నాట్యం చెయ్యగలదా...ఇది సాధ్యమా?

నవ్వు ఒక్క మనిషికి మాత్రమే అందిన వరం. చిరునవ్వుకే కొత్త అందాల్ని తెచ్చిచ్చిన ఈ అమ్మాయి ప్రతిభ కి ఎల్లలు లేవు. ఒకప్పుడు ప్రదర్శించే వీలులేక ఎన్నో వెలికి రాని, వెలుగు చూడని నైపుణ్యాలు. ఈ స్మార్ట్ యుగంలో, సొషల్ మీడియా అందించిన హద్దులులేని విశాల వేదికలు.

ఒక్కసారి ఈ పాటకి ఈ అమ్మాయి అభినయం, కళ్ళతో చిరునవ్వు కలసి చేసిన నృత్యం చూస్తే, ఎవరైనా మళ్ళీ మళ్ళీ చూడక మానరు, ఈ పాట మిమ్మల్ని చాలా కాలం వెంటాడకా మానదు.

అసలీ పాట వినని, విన్నా గుర్తులేని తెలుగు వాళ్ళెందరో! ఈ పాటలో ఓ ప్రత్యేకతా ఉంది. రెండు చరణాల ట్యూన్ భిన్నంగా ఉంటుంది, దేనికదే సాటిగా. అసలీ పాటని ఎంచుకోవటమే గొప్ప. ఎంచుకున్న పాటకే అందం తెస్తూ, జీవం పోస్తూ సొగసు వన్నెలద్దిన ఈ అమ్మాయి అభినయం అత్యుత్తమం, అత్యద్భుతం!!

Hats off to this naturally Beautiful Telugu Talent !!!

"A really great talent finds its happiness in execution."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

( ఒరిజినల్ సాంగ్ "అల్లరి బుల్లోడు" అనే సినిమా కి బాలు, సుశీల పాడగా కృష్ణ, జయప్రద అభినయించారు. వేటూరి రచన, చక్రవర్తి సంగీతం. )

Disclosure: I usually don't post unknown poeple's videos/images on my blog. But this one is an exceptionally beautiful. The only purpose is to share such an extraordinary Telugu Talent.