Friday, January 9, 2015

Cruising into another New Year of my Art World...

Regal Princess Cruise Ship from Princess Cays Island, Bahamas
Regal Princess Cruise Ship from St. Thomas Island, US Virgin Islands

I thought the last painting I did was my last one for last year, 2014. But my cruising of painting for last year didn't pause there. It continued even on the Cruise Ship that we went on for our vacation right after the Christmas.

I am glad that I took my Watercolor Painting Kit with me and found an hour or so on two days to do two quick paintings of the Regal Princess Cruise Ship based on the pictures that I took from Princess Cays, Bahamas and Saint Thoma, US Virgin Islands.

It was a memorable and fantastic experience sitting in a private balcony on the Cruise Ship and painting as the Ship was cruising in the marine blue waters on the ocean.

Happy Painting & Happy New Year!

Details
Title: Regal Princess Cruise Ship
Size: 14" x 11" (35 cm x 28 cm)
Source: My own Photographs I took from Princess Cays and St. Thomas Islands

Toolkit
Surface: Canson Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Paints: Cool and warm colors from my Palette
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 5 and 8

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Inspiration comes from anywhere...

Bahubali - Avanthika
Inspiration comes from anywhere and lies everywhere. I wasn't even thinking of starting a new Painting when I woke up last Sunday. But the moment I saw the picture of Tamannah posted on Facebook by Bahubali's team, the movie that our great Telugu Film Director Rajamouli Garu is directing. It instantly inspired me, pulled me into Painting and made my Sunday.

Like many, I have been waiting for this movie which is going to be a visually stunning and a real feast to artistic eyes. I wish Good luck to Bahubali team!

Inspired by a great movie that hundreds of Artists are working together, I am happy to end this year with this painting. As with every Painting, I enjoyed doing this one.

Happy New Year & Happy Painting!

Details
Title: Avanthika
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Source: Rajamouli's Bahubali movie

Toolkit
Surface: Artistico Fabriano Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Paints: Every color on my Palette
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3, 5 and 8

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Looking back 2014...

Looking Back 2014...
It's this time of the year that we look back and also look forward in time; look back into the year that is going to become a memory soon and look forward for a brand new year that is going to come in with all new hopes. Of course, one always looks forward for a better year than the previous. As I look back into my Journey with Arts through this year 2014, I have many joyful moments to recollect from my Art World.

Good Start - always puts on a good path...

Like past few years, this year also started with the BigHelp annual event in which our Kalakruti members were the Judges for judging Kids' Art. It was a joyful event from many fronts for a good cause of helping Kids & Schools in India. It was certainly a good start of my year in Arts.


New Art supplies - come with new learnings...

This year gave me new opportunities for learning. I bought some of the best quality Art supplies including Brushes, Watercolor Paper and Watercolor Paints. I also learned some tips and techniques of Watercolor Painting from books, friends and workshops. I started to notice how much of a difference a good quality Art Supplies make. Also, this is the year, I started going big in size with my paintings, I did many 16 inch x 20 inch paintings.

Workshops - a great opportunity...


I also attended a 4-day workshop in Gloucester, MA conducted by one of the Best Watercolor Painters of our age- Thomas W. Schaller, which gave me first-in-life opportunity to observe a professional Artist closely at work. It also changed my style, perspective and the process of Watercolor Painting. I also learned how professional Artists see Art in things around us and more importantly how do they begin the process of Painting and go through it till end. In his words, Tom, in the very beginning of the First Day's session said, "The process of Painting actually starts way before you even touch the Brush...". Very true, I learned some invaluable details and techniques taught by Tom in this workshop. I also tried some of the Paints and Paper that Tom uses in his Paintings and fell in Love with the quality. As I already said many times, I am glad I came across Tom on Facebook.

Not only I attended a workshop, we, the Kalakrutians teamed up with BigHelp and conducted an Art Workshop for children from KG-12th Grade. It exceeded all our expectations. We got a wonderful  response from the community. It was more than a joy teaching Kids and watching them doing and fully involved in Art.

I also introduced Watercolor Painting to my 11 year old son, Bhuvan, who in my opinion has the finest of fine skills in Art. He used to amaze me with his skills when he was not even 3 years old. He always watches me quietly painting in a room and gives the very first opinion. It was a pleasure introducing Watercolor Painting to Bhuvan. Now he knows some of the techniques that I have been learning and practicing lately.

Sculpture - year after year...

It's been my fifth year in a row since I started making Lord Ganesh from natural clay, all by hands. Year after year, I notice my progressing skills. This year I challenged myself to finish it off faster than earlier. To my surprise, I finished very fast and got even better at it. This way of celebrating the Hindu Festival - Vinayakachavithi by making Ganesh is a very pleasant experience to cherish for many years.



Art show - sets the stage...


I can't say that "My Arts were never displayed to public anywhere" anymore. My Paintings were part of the very first Art Show of our Kalakruti group at the Lakeside Gallery in Sharon, MA. It was very exciting to me to be part of this Art Show. It was very well received by Art Lovers in and around Sharon town. My colleague and friend also came down all the way from Somerville on the opening day reception with his Mom who was on vacation to Boston coming from Germany. It was a pleasure meeting many Art enthusiasts. I hope this sets the stage for future. ;)

Variations - on the way of finding my own style...

Going out of my style (if I have one yet), I did several Paintings on various subjects this year, ranging from flowers, birds, landscapes & portraits to Hindu Gods. All in all, I am happy that I finished a few from my long pending wish list.


Admirers - always the best source of inspiration...


I have been one of the millions of Telugu people who admire Bapu- the greatest master of line drawings. His demise on August 31 this year shook all Telugu people around the world. I was remembering Bapu by doing a Portrait of him with some of his drawings around his portrait. I have it now framed and is on the wall in our Family Room at our Home. A copy of this Painting was also taken by the TANTEX(Telugu Association of North Texas) in their monthly literary event of remembering Bapu. Thanks to my school-mate and friend Dr. Narasimha Reddy Urimindi (President Elect.) for giving my painting such an honor to be a part of it.

This painting also got published in the Telugu magazine "Nadi". Many many thanks to the editor Prabhakar Jaladanki.

Towards the end of this year, on Dec 15, I also celebrated Bapu's very first birthday after he passed away by imitating his self-portrait in his style which is very difficult. After a great struggle through each inch of each line, I was able to do it to some extent. I was happy celebrating and remembering Bapu on his birthday, in this way. This will probably remain the last piece of my Art work done in this year.


Quiet Mornings - the best time of the day...

I had spent many of my weekend mornings quietly painting in a room with a background music of classical Hindi and Telugu songs. When I look back to recollect my weekend mornings, I feel good that I didn't have that many weekends without me spending my time with Painting. Otherwise, how can one reach to put in 10,000 hours of effort in Art to call oneself an "Artist"?

Above all, comments by friends on Facebook & Blog, and interest shown by some friends to know the details of my Paintings give me tremendous joy and make me look forward for another beautiful and artful year ahead.

Happy Painting!
Happy & Healthy New Year, 2015!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

మన "బాపు" పుట్టిన రోజు పండుగ...

మన "బాపు"

మన "తెలుగుదనం"
బాపు చేతిన ఒదిగి
దిద్దుకునే "నిండుగ"

బాపు "జన్మదినం"
తెలుగు మదిన తలచి
జరుపుకునే "పండుగ"
గిరి 

Details
Title: మన "బాపు"
Size: 11" x 14" (27.9 cm x 35.6 cm)
Source: Bapu's own sketch of himself

Toolkit
Surface: Strathmore Bristol Smooth Surface
Mediums: Watercolors, Prismacolor Premier Brush tip markers & Artist's Loft Illustration Pens (0.5 & 0.8)

Friday, November 28, 2014

Bruce Lee - The Legend of Martial Arts...

Bruce Lee - The Legend of Martial Arts
Portraits of Legendary Personalities - yet another subject for my paintings that I always have been dreaming to start. Though I did few drawings of some prominent personalities in the past, I haven't done any big paintings. I am glad that, "Bruce Lee - A True Legend of Martial Arts" happened to be the first in this series.

A video shared by one of my friends recently on Facebook inspired me to start Bruce Lee's portrait and also this series of Legendary Personalities. It was just a coincidence that I started this painting yesterday, Nov 27 which also happened to be Bruce Lee's birthday.

Bruce Lee, probably is the single most person known to many humans on the earth than anybody in the human history. It's always refreshing recollecting my school-days with Bruce Lee on some of my class notebooks.

Happy holidays & Happy Painting ;)

Details
Title: Bruce Lee - The Legend of Martial Arts
Mediums: Watercolors
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)

Toolkit
Surface: Artistico Fabriano Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Paints: Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Violet, Quinacridone Gold, Opera Rose, Cadmium Lemon and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3, 5 and 8

Sunday, November 23, 2014

A Missed Opportunity...

Girl with Pot
As life moves on, we keep collecting few "Missed Opportunities" here and there. When we look back, there are certainly many things in life that we feel about like - "Huh...I should have done that...". An Artist is no exception and will have many such missed opportunities.

Life cannot be rewound, but certain "Missed Opportunities" in life can be caught again in future. Every missed opportunity will be an opportunity again in life- when it knocks the door one more time in future, and once knocked, only if the door is opened. Once caught in future, the missed opportunity gives an opportunity to give our best.

Pencil sketch done 20 years ago

This painting is based on one of my few "Missed Opportunities" in the past. I did a pencil sketch about 20 years ago, to start a Watercolor Painting. However, the ketch never turned into a Painting. My Art Collection is my Treasure for ideas and catching those "Missed Opportunities".

When I opened my treasure yesterday looking for ideas for a new Painting, the pencil sketch once again knocked my heart. This time, I am happy to say that, I smiled and opened the door, caught the opportunity and turned that Pencil Sketch into a Watercolor Painting. I am sure, I wouldn't have done any better than this,  if I had done 20 years ago.

Every opportunity cannot be caught at the first time. Life may contain "Missed Opportunities", but life itself cannot become a "Missed Opportunity" with many regrets left on the list of "Missed Opportunities".

"Left is an opportunity, benefit from it!" - Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997)

Happy Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: Girl with Pot
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface: Arches Watercolor Paper, 140 lb cold press
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Paints: Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Violet, Opera Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Permanent Sap Green, Cadmium Lemon and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 0, 3, 5 and 8

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Saraswati 2- The Hindu Goddess of Art & Knowledge...

Saraswati - The Goddess of Art & Knowledge
With all the respect for Art & Knowledge, my series of Hindu Gods & Goddesses continues with this second painting of Saraswati - The Goddess of Art & Knowledge. Here is my first one.

This is the very first time I tried Arches Art Board. I am very happy with my efforts and the outcome of this particular painting. Of course, my dream painting of the Goddess of Art is yet to come...

Happy Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: Saraswati - The Hindu Goddess of Art & Knowledge...
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface: Arches Watercolor Art Board
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Paints: Holbein Artist Watercolor (HWC) Yellow ochre, Winsor & Newton Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Violet, Opera Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Permanent Sap Green, Cadmium Lemon and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3, 5 and 8

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Bhagavadgeeta...

Bhagavadgeeta
Bhagavadgeeta - based on a picture I took on Tirumala hills.

Happy Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: Bhagavadgeeta
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface: Artistico Fabriano Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Paints: Holbein Artist Watercolor (HWC) Lavender, Yellow ochre, Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Orange, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Permanent Sap Green and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3 and 5

Saturday, November 1, 2014

On any given Saturday morning....

Girl Reading
Somedays, we feel like doing something, but we don't know what to do and do not want the day go by doing nothing. I was blank this morning on what Painting to start. Couldn't get my mind setup to do anything in particular.

On any given Saturday mornings like this, I turn to my "paper-clip-collection" and pick something that appeals me to work on.

Today's pick is this "Girl Reading a Book". It was a very quick painting and every Painting teaches me something.

Happy Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: Girl reading a book
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface:  Bienfang Watercolor Paper, 140 lb
Size: 9" x 12" (23 cm x 31 cm)
Paints: Winsor & Newton Vandyke Brown, Quinacridone Gold, Cadmium Lemon, Hookers Green Cobalt Blue, Ultramerine Violet and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3 and 5

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Saraswati - The Hindu Goddess of Art & Knowledge...

Saraswati - The Goddess of Art & Knowledge
With al the respect for Art and Knowledge, I finally did Saraswati - The Hindu Goddess of Art and Knowledge in watercolors.

Not a coincidence, but this comes in as the very first Painting for one of my dream subjects in Painting - Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Enjoy the joy of Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: Saraswati - The Hindu Goddess of Art & Knowledge
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface: Artistico Fabriano Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Size: 11" x 14" (28 cm x 35 cm)
Paints: Winsor & Newton Vandyke Brown, Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3 and 5

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Portrait of my Son - Bhuvan...భువనగిరి

Portrait of Bhuvan
Portraits are my favorite painting subjects. This portrait of my Son, Bhuvan is based on a picture that he took in his recent visit to India with a baby goat that was born on that day. I enjoyed doing his portrait as much as he enjoyed holding the baby goat on his shoulder ;)

I think this is one of my best. Those who have seen Bhuvan can find the accurate details of his features and feelings in this painting.

Enjoy the joy of Painting ;)

Materials 

Title: BhuvanaGiri (భువనగిరి)
Mediums: Watercolors
Surface: Artistico Fabriano Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Size: 16" x 20" (40 cm x 50 cm)
Paints: Holbein Artist Watercolor (HWC) Lavender, Winsor & Newton Vandyke Brown, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Orange, Cobalt Turquoise Light and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3 and 5

Friday, October 10, 2014

The Journey through a Colorful Day in Life...

Fall Foliage
Living in New England area, we experience colorful fall around this time of the year. If we drive up, North of Boston to New Hampshire, Vermont or even Maine, all the places look even more colorful with dramatic changing of colors.

Though we have been planning to go North to see fall colors for many years, it's only this year we could make it. I am glad we could do it!

Drive to White Mountains

Drive to White Mountains
Drive to White Mountains

Drive to White Mountains
Drive to White Mountains

It was such a beautiful sunny Sunday after a couple of rainy days. The temperatures warmed up little bit into 60s. We started to drive early in the morning and reached White mountains area by 10am. The  fresh morning sunlight enriched colors and the nature looked more crisp than ever to me. It was such a colorful pleasure driving through not-that-busy roads on a calm Sunday morning with beautiful and colorful sceneries all around.

Cathedral Ledge

Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge

We stopped at the North Conway Information Center to get some information about interesting places around. It was a beautiful town. We drove to the Cathedral Ledge and walked through the beautiful woods up to the mount cliff. The views of valleys from there were just beautiful.

Diana's Bath


Diana's Bath
Diana's Bath
We also went to Diana's Bath and it was such a calm and beautiful waterfalls through rocks. There I could see the best Artist in the world at work- the Nature, painting fall colors in water through the reflection of light.

It was an easy walk in the woods, on the rocks at the water falls and it was a very cool spot, not to be missed.

Road to the Sky

As it says "Road to the Sky"- was a scary drive up to the Mount Washington Summit.

At the bottom of the Mount Washington, the wide area surrounded by mountains was full of fall colors. It was such a beautiful treat to anybody's eyes!

White Mountains
White Mountains
White Mountains

White Mountains

There were two options to go up to the summit: guided tour, and drive-your-own-car. We didn't hesitate to go for drive-your-own-car, up to the summit. We just went for it. That was the most deadliest and scariest drive I ever had experienced. The Road to the Summit was just a two-car, two-way road with barely any space left on both sides with cars going in both the directions, up and down the mountain. The mountain side of the road had a car-tire-wide naturally formed ditches and rocks. The other side mostly had just deep slopes.

Lower half of the way up, driving was ok except the feeling of driving at the heights, as mostly the slopes were covered with trees. The higher half of the drive was the most scary drive with just deep slopes inches away from the road. There was a gravel road for about a mile and it was the deadliest of all. Driving down the mountain was as scary as driving up the mountain.

White Mountains
Mount Washington Summit

Though very scary and deadly, it was a thrilling experience at the end. If I ever have to drive up to the summit again, I will simply opt out ;)

I brought home with me, many memories and many pictures taken all over the places; hoping to turn some into beautiful paintings.

Typically, a day with 7 hours of driving ends very tiring. But, this colorful day was certainly untiring, memorable and beautiful.

Life is a blank canvas. One should try to paint as many colorful days as possible on it.

Happy colorful days of life ;)