Sunday, February 15, 2015

Nātyānjali-5: Indian Classical Dance...

Nātyānjali - Indian Classical Dance

The Nātyānjali series I started last August goes on with this 5th painting in the series. The much needed  inspiration to start a painting comes for this out of my treasure-box-of-inspirations from my college-days of good-old news-paper-cuttings. It is based on a bhangima (pose) by Versatile Dancer and Telugu actress Bhanupriya.

This takes me back to my Engineering College days. I did a pen sketch of this for our College Magazine during my final-year exams after my juniors requested me saying not to leave the magazine without any of my Arts for that year. I didn't get a chance to look at the printed magazine as it was scheduled to be printed after I finished my college.

Good (g)old memories last longer than (m)any!

I am very satisfied with this painting. Turned a 4" x 6" paper cutting of black & white picture into a big color-painting of 15" x 22". The outcome was very clean and crisp, one of my best so far. Of course, as I always say- The Best is yet to come.

Check my previous paintings in this series here.

Keep Painting and Keep Practicing ;)

Details
Mediums: Watercolors
Title: Nātyānjali - Indian Classical Dance
Category: Random portraits - from my news paper clippings
Inspiration: Pose by Telugu actress Bhanupriya
Size: 15" x 22" (38 cm x 55 cm)

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

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Kids' world is even smaller...

Kids' world is even smaller
We always hear the phrase from grown ups- The World is so small. When the world is so small for grown ups, imagine how tiny it is for kids. They don't expect anything, don't hurt anybody, but get upset very easily when their little world gets disturbed. Imagine, if the world has just kids, that will be the Happiest World!

Love Kids and give all your Love!

"That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up." - Walt Disney

It's been awhile since I did a small portrait. As I have been slowly moving towards bigger and bigger paintings, I thought I should try my Childhood Style of small Paintings. There I go...I am quiet happy with the outcome. It was a quick one.

Keep Painting ;)

Details
Mediums: Watercolors
Title: Kids' world is even smaller
Category: Random portraits - from my news paper clippings
Size: 5" x 7" (12 cm x 18 cm)

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

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Comfort Zone...

Tollywood Actress Anushka
Recently, I have been only trying a particular watercolor paper and have become very comfortable with it. Sometimes, it's good to come out of that comfort zone and try different things. First time, I tried Saunders Waterford watercolor paper (rough).

This portrait is based on Tollywood beautiful actress Anushka.

Keep Painting ;)

Details
Mediums: Watercolors
Inspiration:  Portrait of Anushka found on Facebook
Size: 12" x 10" (32 cm x 25 cm)

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

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Happy Republic Day - INDIA...

Obama - Modi
Happy Republic Day INDIA!

As India celebrates it's 66th Republic Day today, the entire world turns and looks at India. The US President Mr. Barack Obama is attending this celebrations as the Chief Guest with the First Lady Michelle Obama and making it even a historic celebrations.

When I came to US, to my surprise, few even asked me where exactly India was on the earth. Since then India emerged as one of the strong countries on the earth. I am hoping the country reaches new heights under the leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi.

All the best to India and Happy Republic Day to all Indians!

I am glad I took time to record this historic day in my Art.

Happy painting ;)

Details
Title: India's 66th Republic Day
Mediums: Watercolors
Size: 14" x 11" (35 cm x 28 cm)

Toolkit
Surface: Canson Watercolor Paper, 140 lb Cold Press
Paints: Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Orange, Permanent Sap Green, Cadmium Lemon, Ultramarine Blue and Neutral Tint
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3, 5 and 8

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Hindu Temple...

Hindu Temple
Gifted
Hindu Temples are rich in Art. With amazing architecture, sculpture and paintings, every temple shows and stands as an evidence, generation after generation, of how skillful previous generations were.

Art, in some form or other is part of everybody's life; probably it was more into life in previous generations.

I always get lost into the amazing sculpture whenever I go to any Temple in India.

This painting is based on a picture I came across in Our Andhra Facebook page.

Happy Painting! ;)

Details
Title: Hindu Temple
Mediums: Watercolors
Inspiration: A photograph found on Our Andhra - Facebook
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, Cobalt Turquoise Light, Neutral Tint, HWC Light Red and Chinese White
Brushes: Da Vinci Kolinsky Round Size 1, 3, 5 and 8

Sunday, January 18, 2015

My Year of Watercolor Exploration...

2015 Calendar of my Paintings
When I was choosing my last year Paintings for a 2015 Calendar of my own Paintings, I felt quite happy to realize that I did not let a single month go by without doing a Painting. I remember, I started January of last year with the theme of "Flowers". Did a series of paintings of just Flowers. Last year, this month- I was learning, practicing and exploring various techniques that I read in books, also trying various brands and qualities of material.

Few years ago, I was dreaming to come back to my Art which took a pause for a long period in my life. I am glad I only paused it, not bypassed it.

I can certainly call the year 2014 as "My Year ear of Watercolor Exploration".

Happy Painting ;)

January 2015
February 2015
March 2015
April 2015
May 2015
June 2015
July 2015
August 2015
September 2015
October 2015
November 2015
December 2015

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