Bappa Moraya!

Ganapati Bappa Moraya!

Peekaboo

I have been working on this portrait for long long time. I finally finished it working though my Sunday afternoon sessions. The most difficult part was to put things together and starting by pushing away that urge to nap. Keeping kids out as I lock myself to work on it on relaxing summer afternoon. But once I turn music on (Shaker Tucker's 'The Shrutibox' for this project most of the time)  and start working, I easily forget the world around. The portrait is from this stunning shot by Abhijit D.

Glass of water..

Last few days I have been taking online guidance from renowned pencil artist Linda Huber. My last baby hand drawing was my 1st drawing with her. Delighted to present 2nd drawing today. She has this ability to take out the best out of you at whatever level you are at. I am so grateful I could find her. This drawing is done in 3 sessions of about 2-3 hours. My friend Abhijit has edited the drawing to display it at its best. My friends at Maayboli are my best encouragement all the time. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for becoming part of my journey.

Baby Hand

Here is some sketch I have been working on for past one month..about couple of hours every week. Its getting difficult to work with my little one day by day. Specially sketches as I don't feel like working on at night. Learning to work slow on sketches, concentrating on each tiny part. It just not me but trying...hope you all enjoy this one.

After a break!

Been dormant for last few days, what was I doing? Did some Charcoal and pastel work at local art class I took at Academy of Arts , Highland Park. Small group of artist is doing phenomenal job teaching art basics to 5 yr. olds to any age. Introducing about 20 mediums to all at step by step illustrations. But some places just don't work for you, I don't want to try mediums now. At least for some time I want to work in pencil and watercolor. Here are some studies I did at AOA, HP.

Tell me the truth!

This is my first 'tromp l'oeil' attempt. I was totally fascinated when I was directed to http://jdhillberry.com/ by a friend (Thanks Abhijit D.:)). My first reaction was 'impossible'. Today I can't express how happy I am to create this piece. Had total fun doing this, hope you all enjoy watching it!

A boot on wall street!

Here is my weekly assignment, this one took lot less time than a portrait. No grid, no measurements..just plain by hand drawing and straight to work. Wish I could make the lettering on newspaper better.

My Little Monster!

Here comes Arnav, my little one. It so difficult to shoot such innocent expressions. Once he is aware of the camera he will make faces. I was lucky this time as I clicked this shot almost 30 feet away when he was playing with his toes. I should have thought about the background before doing it. Don't know such dark value complimented the portrait or spoilt it

Peary Green

I am missing my mother-in-law today. She has been the first viewer and admirer of most of my artworks, my encouragement to any endeavors in recent past. I am realizing now that it is so difficult to pursue my interest without her. My 15 month old son is always ready to grab my palette and enjoy finger-painting. So for now just small bits n bites in my comfort area,'still-life'.

Dal lake

Happy New Year 2012 to everyone!
This is my first painting in this year, have been little away from watercolor last few days. Yesterday watched art DVD from great australian watercolorist Robert Wade. Loved it. Boy, when will I get that simplicity in my paintings? I am going insane thinking about it every moment. This constant desire to master watercolor is driving me restless. I wish this new year offers me some luck.

Here is one more attempt, I liked this one more, with less efforts.

Here comes my princess

Here is some serious work in pencil. Sketching.. more I am do more I like it. And at the same time realize that  there is long way to go. Two days of work, God, I never spent this much time on any painting or sketching.

Back to the Basics

Here again, wanted to get back to sketching to refresh my skills. Found some beautiful portraits at http://www.abhijitsplanet.com/pratibimb/index.php?x=browse. I did this boy with pencil first but could not get the colors out of my head, that's the spirit of this picture. Curiosity in those eyes took me back to all 'holi fun' I had in my childhood. So had this adventurous try...watercolor with pencil. I could have wasted my 3 days of work any moment, but I am so happy I tried..loved the effect.

The Wait

Shanghai

This a structure in some garden of Shanghai, from my brother's travel diary. At some point I thought I can not proceed with the painting, I almost spoiled it. But overall liked it after finishing.

Marine Drive

Apollo bandar, Mumbai

As I started looking for pictures for my Mumbai Theme, I realized I hardly know about my city. Few tourist places? thats all I know? My watercolor paintings brought me some new friends recently, couple fine arts photographers. And I started knowing and loving Mumbai through their lenses. This beautiful shot of sea near Apollo Bandar is my try to paint this http://www.abhijitsplanet.com/pratibimb/index.php?showimage=160
My hearty thanks to Mr. Abhijit Dharmadhikari.

Mumbai Meri Jaan

Missing my hometown today, could not stop painting this BMC bldg. Does anyone have best shots Mumbai's architecture? please share. I was looking for free reference photos on internet, could not find much.   

My Sweetheart

And she asked me to draw one of her childhood picture. This was Ameyaa's first experience at sea. She was sleepy after afternoon nap, at the same time thrilled to see so much water in front. Her subtle smile and her half open eyes..I could not capture her properly in this one..am not good at portraits yet, I admit :)

Ketaki's Travel Diary

Another Beautiful Snap by Ketaki : Carlos V Palace, Spain. Hope this makes you feel better dear friend.

Saheliyon Ki Bari

Have you been to Udaipur anytime? about 7 years back Abhijit and I started our journey together. This was our first travel destination. Udaipur and then Jodhpur. This was one of  one of those beautiful places we have been together in our incredible India.