Blooming Tuesday

A flower done on the spur of the moment....I think it resembles mosanda..the way the petals are. I felt a need to draw a flower & I just drew it without 'thinking'. But I like it the way it looks:)

This again is glass art which I tried on projector sheet. This is the pic I've used for my profile coz its colorful & coz, as those who know me know that, I am in love with colors:)

The next two were taken from Hawai by my cousin. I donno their names...sorry:)

Hope you like it. I wanted to post this yester' but couldn't.

So friends here's wishing you a belated Blooming Tuesday!

Acanthocereus Pentagonus!!!

Acanthocereus Pentagonus is Cactus found in South Western United States & Northern Mexico having edible juicy fruit.

I have been thinking of putting up a post to showcase my work of art...how I do it...or rather Making of an Art on Glass. Some of my blogger friends had enquired about it & this is especially for all of them.

Here is how I do it:

1. First of all I draw my picture on a paper. Place it under the glass you would like to work on. The glass is usually bought from any glass shops giving the measurement you need depending on the size of the artwork. This is 29 cms* 20.5 cms...Small one. The glass comes as 2mm, 3mm, 4mm etc...4mm would be ideal coz 2mm though easy to work with has to be dealt with extra care as it can break easily.

The glass can be cleaned before you begin with a Surface Cleaner which is from Lefranc & Bourgeois. Three or four drops is enough, wipe it with a clean soft kerchief or towel.

2. Next draw the outline using a glass outliner which is available in different shades these days. Here I've used a silver outliner from Lefranc & Bourgeois...Cern'Couleurs Vitrail Argent Silver. There are outliners from Hobby Line & Camlin as well.

3. When that is done, you start your coloring. Here, I started with the inside of the Moon.

I have used solvent based colors from WACO. There are transparent & opaque glass colors. I always prefer transparent ones. Its wonderful to see its effcets. But when any transparent color is mixed with White...it becomes opaque.

4. Then I started working around the Moon. If you want the colors to mix you have to do it fast before it clogs. Else you have to take breaks in between so that the areas dry and then you move on. Here I haven't left much time.

5. Background is finished. Now comes the fore area.

6. I started with the cactus & shaded it immediately as I wanted it to merge a bit. I've shaded the green with white & black.

7. Then came the rocks. In all these colors I had to mix white with the colors to get the desired look. I painted the stones dark with white outline shading & painted the shadow grey.

8. Now...this is complete with the shading too.

I enjoyed doing it. Hope you enjoyed knowing about it. It was Fun doing this artwork as I wanted to share this with you. This is after signing my name which by the way isn't detectable!!! I have taken these snaps from my mobile. Being glass it always reflects something or the other:) I think you'll all notice it..sorry for that. Couln't help it:(

Now do try it out & let me know how you felt trying this out. I do hope that you all understood this 'Class':)

This being the basic..you can try this with however big or small glass or surface you want to. You can even try it out on sauce bottles or nutella bottles or unused glass dishes to practice.

Please Note that you have to clean the brush with white spirit or thinner. Else the brush can not be reused. The bristles will clog.

In order not to leave behind my hand marks I place a tissue paper under my hand when I work.

Happy Cactus Monday My Dear Friends!!!

Note: Pic ref from Google.

Raining Awards..

I have been presented with these awards by Soulbrush. The first one she passed me with & the second one she asked us to help ourselves with:).

Thank you so much Soul for being extremely generous.

'The Uplifting Blogger Award' was designed by Lolo.

'This award goes to fellow bloggers who visit frequently and raise my spirits with their kind words of encouragement, their beautiful images and their wonderful outlook on life. They make blogging a positive experience and continue to make my life richer. '

The 'Makes My Heart Smile' Award is supposed to be for the fav 10 & I am finding it hard to come up with the TEN so I am passing it on to all of them...(I sincerely hope that its ok!!!:))

The rules:
Please feel free to pass this award along to your friends.
I ask that you do name them but you don't have to link to them.
Just stop by their blogs and let them know you've given them this award.

I am passing this one on (in no specific order) to:

Aniket of Melody Of Dissonance

Manoj of CT In All His Might

Lynn of Getting My Feet Wet

Amritorupa of Rivers I Have Known

Artist Unplugged

Renee of Circling My Head

Catvibe of Witnessing A World of People & Places

Bella of Bella Sinclair Doodlespot

Teri of Teri's Painted Daisies

Mahesh of Anubhav

Kriti of Kreation

Lisa of Artsy Endeavors

Yoon See of Greaner Pastures

Sue of A Brush With Color

Victoria of Artist Victoria O Neil

Laura of Laura's Watercolors

Harshita of Harshita's Chill out zone

Cori of Sacred Atrist

Calli of Garahstah-Picture Maker

ENJOY coz its raining awards:)

The Royal Mail from London

It was one of the finest days when I received the Royal Mail from one of my beloved blogger friends, Soul. There were atcs* made by her, a note penned by her & atcs for me to work with. I was pretty excited & ecstatic... I was smiling the whole day (I am, most of the time, smiling & my husband enquired what has made me smile MORE).

To know more about Soul you should pay a visit to her blog(for which you can click on the link above)...one of the finest in spirit,color, vigor & vitality. I always feel inspired by Soul's works & words.

Thank you Soul for the atcs... I so very much treasure your friendship:) ,your atcs & your hand-written note.

I will surely be displaying mine as soon as my current assignments finish.

Have a WONDERFUL Day!

*atc-artist's trading cards.

Queen Of The Night

Queen of the night or Night-blooming cereus are the names of several genera & species of nightblooming cactus. It was nice to learn the various names like San Pedro (sounds very revered), Dutchman's Pipe(with a grave face), Red Pitaya (some nomadic tribe), Arizona Queen of the Night (Beauty Pageant) & Vanilla Cactus (reminds me of Ice-cream!!)

The nightblooming cereus is also known as the lunar flower, moon flower and luna flower. As the name suggests it blooms at night. This is the info that I could collect about it. Rest needs to be explored.

This is my humble attempt to capture its beauty... I always seem to be attracted towards the cacti blooms!

Hope you have a wonderful & blooming Cactus Monday:)

SHALL WE PLAY 'PAY IT FORWARD'?

I came upon this concept when visiting Soul's Blog...but unfortunately I was late there:( so I followed from there to Marianne's blog, Mandalas & More, & I was lucky there:)

I found this wonderful idea of paying it forward....this is all with something creative.....

Here's how it works....The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.

2. What I create will be just for you, with love.

3. It’ll be done this year (2009). [So be patient]

4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something strange(whatever I wish).

6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.

7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you.

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward.

This text was used from http://mandarianne.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful day....

Well who wants to play?Who dares...........

Very Indian Trilogy

Radha-Krishna

All these paintings are very Indian in nature(no need to say that,right?) All are glass art. It is also a mixed media. 'Radha-Krishna' & 'Small Talk' took it's form in 2003 when I was in my family way:) They were done for my yet-to-be-born daughter hoping that she would imbibe it from my womb. My mom always encouraged me to do the best of things during that period('& always' as she says) citing stories from the purana...esp the case of Abhimanyu(which I think almost every Indian would be familiar with, if not...) who learnt the knowledge of entering the deadly & virtually impenetrable Chakravyuha from his father, Arjun, who talked about this to his wife, Subhadra, while she was carrying Abhimanyu in her womb. I was always fascinated with Indian mythology; mythology of any country for that matter.

Small Talk

'Small Talk' has the Rajastani flavor to it as is evident from the attire & the huge,broad,plain bangles made of bone(correct me if I am wrong);usually worn by certain tribes. The unmarried women wear them from their wrist to the elbow while the married wear them from elbow upwards till their underarm as well. Seems interesting:) By the way they are nomadic tribes.

Devageetham

'Devageetham' took it's form in 2007. I was always captivated by Meerabai's(mystical poetess & sage) stories;her love & devotion for Krishna. She's known for her soulful singing that is said to've mesmerized everyone during her time. This painting however is not typical Meera as we see in many picture of hers. She's usually attired in white, holding a tampuru(tanpura). I've tried to conceive her in colors. This image has been like 'something-I've seen-long ago-but-forgotten' kind.

Hope you all like it.

Have a Colorful Day:)

Cactus Missy on the go

When I gave life to my cactus with the pink bloom; it sure was yipppyyyyy!

glass art again:)
Cactus Missy thanked me a lot & let me know it's one dream to travel as much as possible (like mine is to travel around the globe!!!). Since I knew how that feels, I let her be. Missy was elated, bid me farewell & promised to return soon.

Missy went around to see the natural environment. Missy couldn't have enough! she took a deep breath of the fresh air & tried to contain the whole of nature in her.

Missy went to see the Easter bunny.

Missy saw people having a good time...enjoying every step or jump...

Fun and laughter with friends...

(she wondered who her friends will be!)

Had a sumptous breakfast...

Laid back & spent some time beside the pool at Royal Mirage Resort in Dubai, thinking on how she should spend the day. She thought against it and decided to take the day as it came along...she wished to explore...

Missy visited Amsterdam...

then Cyprus...

(saw a family having fun)

Spent sometime in a park...

Went on an exciting gaint wheel ride...

(that gave a different perspective of the world)

Missy stumbled on an exciting Jazz Festival happening in Dubai...

(it really did jazz up her night)

Now, it was time to return...What's that!!! (she had made friend...human friend...she even shed some tears as Missy said adieu)



Missy thought of the stimulating & exhiliarating day...a day well spent!
(she could never be more happy!)



The MOMENT OF THE DAY...when she took a snap with the World Beauty, Ash...who turned out to be her role model!!! Missy has decided to take up Modelling as her career. She'll be available in deepazartz for any enquiries regarding the same.

HAPPY CACTUS MONDAY:)

PS:Pic courtesy FRIDAY Magazine.

Is it AWARD SEASON Yet?

It's been exactly a month since I created my blog(heeyyyy!). And to receive an award from a sweet L'tl Girl is something I hadnot imagined(pause...pondering). As I wrote to her(in honor of receiving this award) I don't consider this a silly feat(very earnest). Everyone loves to be appreciated!(universal truth...even Hitler wanted to be appreciated #*@#... Have I gone nuts???)

I am truly delighted & thank you for considering me worthy of it:) Hugs.

Now this is quite a tough job...to give away this award to 7 wonderful people. (Like Pay It Foward...hmmm)

#1. Manoj.C.T(CT) for he is the one who brought me to blogging. His blog inspired me to create my own blog. For being a spirited, conscientious & lively person; who has always been a brother in need(during my Victorian days...A-Zones & Interzones...nostalgic).

#2. Soulbrush is rightly termed so! She's the soul of art. An versatile artist, an excellent motivator, a true human being and a lovely friend. She's one of my new blogger friends who keeps in touch with me through mails too;always motivating. I have ne'er found anyone so lively, versatile & active at this age too. You are role model!(I knw you've received so many awards...This is the first from me:))

#3. Teri- if soul is the soul of art, Teri is the body...embodiment of art! I have never seen anyone as good as Teri in watercolors. She's the proud founder of Cactus Monday. Soul & Teri are my greatest motivators in art here in bloggyland. To speak on all these great personalities is not speaking enough(sigh).

#4. Scrawler is one of my friends from College(good ol' Victorian days). She, apart from CT, is another inspiration for my blogging. She induces goodwill. I was surprised to find her writing brilliantly(of which I was unaware of...a new dimension!).

#5. Lynn for her simplicity and the wonderful quilts of which she is the proud owner of. I have just started getting to know her & I think we'll have a wonderful time together.

#6. Studio Lolo - I always feel wonderful at your door with crow for my company:) I love your artworks and photos. A new friend again!

#7. Aniket for being a humorous, poetic & a great commenting companion. I know you have already received this award but my award list willnot be complete without your name:) So please bear with me.

From what I understand you've to copy the awards to your blog & then give it to 7 others...all this depends on whether you want to(as the l'tl girl says)

Love ya folks!
Have a Happy Award Nite!

C ya...n Take care.

Musings On A Morning Walk

(sketch by me)

I walk in the lone corridors of the building in the bustling morning…all alone! I wish for company most of the time but then I realize I am my own company! I see people rushing to the office(now n then). Doors open and slam marking their rush. I often wonder at their lives. Who would they be (personally)? Would they be loving to their wife or husband? Would they be a loving mother or father to their kids? Would they be a conscious citizen(as I didn't see anyone here switch off their lights to mark solidarity on Earth Hour as we sat in the dark & had a good time)? Would they have a good time working in the office(as I don't have an "office job")? Would they be temperamental? Submissive? Cold-hearted or whatever???

(I frequently get a glimpse of these people rushing past, I try to pass a smile but they are too Busy to return one!)

In my company I am not even once without thought. My mind is always working. I hope that it is the same with everyone… I try to stay without thought by counting the steps I take. Even in the midst of it my mind steals some silly thought or something profound(??) that results in my writing this write up. But according to Robin Sharma one should not let one’s mind handle the matter. We have to be in control of our mind not vice versa. I am trying Robin, I am!!!

I observe a lot when I am alone!

Doormats, for instance…has anyone ever thought of it? Sounds silly, right? The other day I became reflective about it. I see the doormats in most of the front doors and try to explore the not-so-obvious…like plain doormats – the master(s) are not interested in how it looks. After all it’s just a doormat!!! Step on it, brush and walk away! They are the not so conscious people. Doormat with stripes (vertical and horizontal) – either way it’s a doormat but I do care a little as (maybe) they’ll help to clean the shoes better. It could even look a bit better! Then there are those with butterflies and hearts on it…they love beautification and décor of even the doormat!!! Doormats in the shape of Rabbit, tortoise and the like, they are nature enthusiasts!! Doormats with ‘WELCOME’ on it (do they really mean it??? Think positive, deepa)…they like people who call on them and they perhaps follow the Indian tradition of ‘athithi devobhava’ (the one who doesn’t look at ‘thithi’ or date to call on another…which obviously means very close folks).

Hope we had a wonderful walk together…

(Wanted to share this beautiful poem as well)

A noiseless patient spider
by Walt Whitman

A noiseless patient spider,

I mark'd where on a little promontory it stood isolated,

Mark'd how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,

It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,

Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you O my soul where you stand,

Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,

Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,

Till the bridge you will need be form'd, till the ductile anchor hold,

Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.

I do expect that you too have some insight to add to. Please do share with me.
Thanks for reading!

Artisans of the Emirates

ARTE (Artisans of the Emirates) is the soul of handmade artefacts in Dubai. It is perhaps the largest and the most diverse group that caters to art and craft in Dubai. ARTE was founded by Miriam Walsh(feltmaker) and Paul Townsend(silversmith) in 2005. Something that started with 30 artists now has the opprtunity to boast over 485 artists from 25 countries. Miriam and Paul began this art community with the intension of showcasing the local artisans of the U.A.E and their handmade products. ARTE holds souq (bazaar/market) every second friday of the month at various locations around Dubai.

One can find diverse forms of artefacts here ranging from paintings (oil, acrylic, glass, watercolor, mixed media etc), felt flowers, scarves and handbags, silk scarves, crochet items, pottery, jewellery, haute couture attire, paper crafts, waldorf dolls, mosaics, custom designed cakes for all occasions and many more. I can vouch that it would be a treat for the eyes and if you are a lover of art then there's nothing better happening anywhere else! Even if you are not, you could spend an evening with ARTE and grab on some interesting gift for your loved ones.

So see you there folks!

When is the next ARTE Souq? 10th of Apr (second Friday of the month)

Hmmm...Where to find ARTE?

Venue: TIMES SQUARE CENTER, Sheikh Zayed Rd, At 3/4th Interchange, Dubai

TEL of TSC: 04 341 8020

Time: 12:00pm to 7:00pm

Cactus Rose

Since I couldn't get a glimpse of even a single cactus, I finally had to seek a picture of THE PROTOGONIST! That was just for reference to get an idea of how it looks. This is a Cactus Rose. I have drawn it in glass using glass colors hence the shine and glaze. I thought I'll try it in this medium as I am currently working on it. I like the shine that this medium provides. Hope you all like it.

My very First Cactus Monday - HAPPY CACTUS MONDAY!