21 Days in my Art World #4 - Final post!

The final post of Tara Leaver's 21 days in my art world...You can see my #1, #2 and #3 here.

Day 16 - Smallest painting

I am comfortable working in small format and I love it! My smallest are ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), of which I don’t have the images. This is the image that was readily available right now, from the Folk series that I had done 2 years ago. It’s a Madhubani painting and is 5x5 in.

In case you are interested in looking at my ATCs from 2009, you will find it HERE.

Day 17 - Largest painting

As mentioned above, I am more comfortable working small scale but since my first curated-coordinated show I started working on bigger pieces. Not very huge though. My biggest in canvas is probably this one which I can’t yet reveal in full.😊 I had done a wall mural in my daughter’s room when in Dubai, don’t have a picture though. That’s my largest!!!

“Waiting” (detail), 

acrylics on canvas, 91.5x91.5 cms.

Day 18 - Celebrate 

Art in India is rich and diverse. Each region/state has its own traditional/folk forms that one is mesmerised by the simple-looking yet complex details that go into it! I am a huge fan of our treasure trove and there’s always a phase when I go back to the roots just to have a feel of that richness and extravaganza that makes our arts so special!!!

 Details of Madhubani painting, 

my own attempt at Sree Padmanabhaswami temple

and Mughal motifs

 Kolam (Rangoli) and Kerala mural painting

Day 19 - From the archives

I had been drawing since a child so I don’t actually remember my earliest drawing nor do I have a picture. It must surely have been scribbles! 😊 

I started archiving when I started blogging in 2009. And if I go back to that time I was engaged in a couple of mediums like digital art, folk art, glass painting, mixed media and acrylics. Art no longer was just a hobby, it turned into my passion. I took art seriously and started working every day...that was in 2011 when I was in Dubai. Since then I try to do art almost every day. 

There's no specific reason for selecting these...I was at a loss to pick from my archives...so these are random choices. All these dates back between 2009 to 2011.

 The 'Houseboat' picture is one of the first pictures that sold, bought by a dear friend Soji in Dubai.

'Faces' and 'Song of the Lotus'

digital works

The girl was my first profile pic that I had used way back in 2007 - 2009 in Orkut, blog and some sites.

The second I had done for teaching a poem on Lagoon while I was working in a school.

Day 20 - Favourite technique

The raw unfinished look with textures and bright colours is what attracts me the most. I keep experimenting with different techniques and different mediums though. I love the burst and blooms of watercolours and acrylic inks...the dribble and drip of acrylics, the texturing too...love the lines and curves of the pen as well as charcoal. So many options... 😊

 Blogpost

 Blogpost

Blogpost 

Day 21 - Big Dream

Finally, the Big Dream! Of course, there are many!!! Become financially opening up independent totally as an artist, taking art workshops particularly for kids (love interacting with them)... able to travel and be inspired by the changing locales and people and gain more experience and insight, be represented by a gallery, engage in more productive and proactive art, be an eternal learner...take up residencies where I can devote myself entirely to it....and some I can’t reveal right now as they’re still seeds!😊

From “Eye of the Soul series” - study. Sold.

Thanks a ton Tara Leaver for this challenge as it really opened up so many aspects for contemplation and discourse and to understand my own process as I seriously pondered on it. It is the first time I am writing and posting on all these aspects. It was also wonderful to see so many artists and their varied styles. It’s truly an amazing community!💕🙏

5 Simple Drawings of Ganesha for Ganesh Chaturthi

Wishing Everyone A Blessed Ganesha Chaturthi!

May the Lord remove all the obstacles that one has to face or rather may the obstacles fall short against your strength. May all these hurdles be crossed with the least effort and May all that one wishes which doesn't hurt or harm others be rewarded ;)

I am sharing with you the Ganesha paintings and Sketches I have created since the past few years. Most of them have been sold since Ganesha is a much wanted companion :)

Firstly, Lord Ganesha (Ganesh/Ganapati/Vinayaka/Vigneshwara) or the elephant deity is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the remover of obstacles in life, patron of arts and science & the symbolic epitome of intellect and wisdom. Every ritual starts by honoring him. Here's a video to know something more about him.

Lord Ganesha Video


Secondly, I would like to share 5 simple Ganesha drawings I created yesterday afternoon. They are all ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). They are simple and can be tried by anyone for that matter. They will also look good on postcards, you can create some for Diwali and send it to your family and friends. You can add a bit of color to it by adding sequins, stones, glitters, sparkles etc. I wanted them simple for now.

ATCs, 2.5x3.5 inches, fineliners and sketch pens on Distemper green chartpaper

All of it to together...so how do you like it? 

We are so used to seeing Ganeshas in so many different forms all over the net and everywhere else that even when you try to do something singular, you end up feeling I have seen this somewhere (what I am feeling now for these skecthes!...I love them all the same)

Now for the Ganeshas that I have so far created, taking time and loving each one...I have lined them below...Take a look :)

ATC

Embellished Ganesha on acrylic pad

The same design on glass. I wanted to see how it would look on glass. 

Which one do you think is better?

 Embellished Ganeshas in Red and Yellow gold

*embellished with kundan stones and sequins*

Abstract Ganeshas in Red and Blue

*the red painting is embellished with a black crystal*

5x5inch gallery wrapped canvas, 
Mixed Media with crystals, kundan stones, sequins etc

Abstract Ganesha embellished with crystals

Kerala Mural Ganesha

*scientific symbol of Lord Ganesha is discussed here*

ATCs can not be sold, only swapped - info for those who aren't aware of it. All these Ganeshas except for the last two, are sold. The most recent one which I sold in Sankalp in Kochi and bought by an ardent young buyer, a school boy is here. That I felt was an honour !

I would also like to share something that I saw in FB I believe and I saved it to my system as the significance is immense.

Source: FB

click on the images to catch a larger view

Hope you enjoyed this post. Please do leave a comment and thank you for your visit and your time :)

Linking it to Eva & Kristin's PPF.

Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

GiveAway 2 - Art Print

It's time to announce the winner of my first giveaway....
And it is....

Nicole Beadwright!!!!

Congrats Dear Nicole :D
Thanks for participating friends...

Will mail it to you once I receive your snail mail address.

Now onto the next one. 

Ganesha Art Print - 6x4 inches

What you have to do is :

1. You need to be my blog follower.

2. Like my FB page - Hues n Shades

3. Blog, post about it and leave a link in the comment.

4. Leave a comment here anyways. (The earlier ones are just to motivate me... ;) )
By following all the steps, you just brighten up your chance to win :D

The Giveaway is open to all and ends on Thursday 12 am, IST.

It's been a good week. There's a lot happening here in my small hometown. The prime one to mention is the Dharmasooya Yaga under Thathanana Swami in Kinassery. Around 1500 delegates from various countries have arrived, even the Nagababas from the Himalayas. I need to visit there...just feel the positive vibes that would definitely surround the place...but need company :P

There's been a cousin's engagement and it went really well. Accompanied her to the beauty parlour and I was left wondering at the changes the beauty industry has accomplished from my time. A few years and a great leap. I am not a regular parlour-goer but I enjoyed all the sights and I felt sticky in this Palakkad heat just by watching it! My cousin, the bride-to-be was like a heroine from a movie. She was BEAUTIFUL! May both of them have an Amazing life ahead :)

Not to mention a Musical find whom I came across during my DW visits...Avi Avital, the Grammy nominee, the Mandolin player. His music is soothing while being vigorously energetic. I got into creative mode with Avi playing in the background.

Linking to PPF
Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting it.

Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

Happy Janmashtami

Wishing each and everyone an enthralling and magical Janmashtami!

Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

Mohini

  Do you remember this sketch I had posted some time back...?

 Moha, the innate desire of man which causes man to discard all his rationale plays a prime part in his life. Manav (human) derived from manas, the mind, is never detached from it. It is to play with this quality of mind that Lord Vishnu, the one who pervades, transformed into Mohini, the ethereal beauty, starkly flawless and fabulously feminine enchanted and deprived the asuras (demons) of reason by infusing every particle with desire according to the Hindu Mythology.

Here is the finished work of Mohini...a humble attempt:

 Watercolour and pitt pens

Linking it to Paint Party Friday and Mandarin Monday

Disclaimer: This is a representation of Kerala mural art. Please consider this as just an art and do not let it hurt any sentiments and hinder the joy in enjoying an art form. This is a humble request.

The mural design is not an original. I do not know the artist, in case anyone does -please let me know.

Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

Mural Lakshmi

There were days when I used to engage in artistic activities when I feel inspired...now-a-days, since the past two years I have been creating art almost daily...it has become a necessity; unless and until I am sick or something. It is a part of me I can not separate and I enjoy it a great deal. Also I wish to know and learn more...a sort of craving, a yearning...about art, artists anything and everything related to art from nooks and corners of every bit of the world. I just can't stop feeling it! What interests you? Does this strike a chord  with you???

Goddess Lakshmi - SOLD

Mural style, 6x4 inches, clipped glass frame

Now, this little painting adorns the puja (Prayer) space of one of my friends, Sheeba Aji  in Dubai and that really makes my heart levitate just thinking about it. It's a form of constant blessing!!! Thanks Sheeba :)

Linking it to Paint Party Friday, Show and Tell Saturday and The Weekly Story...more art and artists with some amazing stuff can be found there :)

Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

Lord Ganesha - Kerala Mural

Lord Ganesha is considered as the Lord of wisdom and one who erases all obstacles. He is the Lord with an elephant head. He has two wives, Riddhi (wealth and prosperity) and Siddhi (intellectual and spiritual powers). Once I happened to hear Dr. Gopalakrishnan's (Director of Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage - IISH)  scientific explanation of Lord Ganesha's concept. He mentioned an interesting aspect that the head of the lord is almost the same shape of the brain and medulla oblongata which obviously is the seat of wisdom of any person. In order to make the common man understand the different concepts, yogis and the intectualls resort to symbolic concepts to make a connection and to lead them (the common man) to spirituality.

This is a Kerala mural painting done with watercolour and the image is a googled one. I am unaware of the actual creator as in the case of murals, the designs and patterns are basically in vogue through centuries... If you wish to see my own creations with the Kerala mural procedures applied, you can click here and here.

Watercolour, 16x22inches,

140lbs Daler and Rowney Aquafine paper

diagram of brain and medulla oblongata

Can you see the pattern on Ganesha's head and trunk area?

Do leave your comments, I would love to read them. Thanks for stopping by :)
My facebook page : www.facebook.com/Hues.n.Shades

Linking it to Paint Party Friday


image courtesy of medulla oblongata : google


Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the author.

Lotus Reaper

Kerala murals are having a rebirth at this point of time. I see that people are becoming more and more interested in reviving fading and vanishing art forms. I also see that they are becoming part of the interior decor. That really makes me truly glad! I have loved all kinds of art forms be it from any part of the world especially the folk and traditional forms. Here, I have tried to use the mural procedure and drawn something less ornate unlike the usual murals to get a contemporary feel. Please do let me know what you think of it :)

Close up of different parts of the painting

Lotus Reaper - Acrylics, 15x30 inches

Linking it to Paint Party Friday...do visit to see some amazing art :)

Song of the Lotus - Kerala Mural Style

My first painting for the year starts with Kerala Mural style Lotus which is the symbol of divine beauty, grace, purity and elegance. It represents the purity of the body, speech and mind even though springing from muddy water of attachment and desire. It is also said that where ever Lord Buddha stepped a lotus bloomed. I wish the year 2012 is a benevelant one.

I have been in love with Kerala Murals for a very long time. From the time I started creating them I have been passionate about them. If you search the Net you will find loads of set patterns and designs. I wanted to create something of my own that is traditional yet contemporary. This is my first attempt at triptych. (Triptych is a painting in three parts)

I have used Lotus which is one of my favourite themes. White lotus represents a state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. Being a piscean, the fish came naturally :) That wasn't intended! I have tried bringing about different textural effect in different hues.

Hope you like it.

Song of the Lotus, Acrylics

Each piece is 7x9.5inches

Together 21.5x9.5inches

Linking this post to Patricia's Colours Dekor

Lord Krishna Mural & 55th Kerala Day

Dear Friends

My new Kerala mural painting of Lord Krishna. I have used acrylics on canvas. Hope you all like it.

Lord Krishna, Avatar of Lord Vishnu

18x14 inches, Acrylics

Kerala Mural Painting on Canvas

For non-Keralites, today is Kerala Piravi (Birth of Kerala) Day. The state of Kerala was formed on 1 Nov, 1956. Prior to that it was three independent provinces Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. Kerala got it's name after the first ruler, Keralian Thamburan, who ruled one of these provinces.

Mythologically, Kerala was formed when Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, flung his axe from Gokarnam to the sea and the sea receded to form Kerala.

Happy Kerala Day To All The Malayalees (& to all others as well:)) Around The World!

Love

Goddess Saraswathy - My First Mural Creation

Goddess Saraswathy - Seat of Learning

Acrylics, 19 * 26 inches

My first attempt at Kerala mural painting...Since puja/navratri strats today, I thought of posting this... a nice way to begin it:) Hope you all like it.

Goddess has been really lucky for me as I had mentioned in my previous post. I have got an order for the same and am currently working on it. Thank you, dear God! Thank you Saraswathy aunty! Thank you Anilettan!

Meet A Kerala Mural Artist

Hello Friends

I have been busy with so many things at a time! I was feeling invisible, coping spirituality & practicality/reality in one go, following the path of Lord Buddha, trying to remember Robin Sharma, trying to be Super-human, but all in vain:) Finally I have rested everything on the shoulders of the Lord to resolve. Somethings are best left untouched else it will muddle the whole thing.

Anyways, here's something that I did during my vacation in India & I enjoyed it thoroughly. Meet an Artist from Palakkad, my home-town.

 A Retd. Deputy Collector & Artist, Saraswathy aunty(as I call her) is an active spirit, very cool, calm and composed and super talented at 65. Soft spoken and humble is what comes to my mind whenever I think of her. My vacation was worthwhile as I spent some quality time with her - a week - which will remain memorable! Thanks to Anilettan, a multi-talented artist, who introduced me to her. Thanks a ton, Bro'!

Both of them are truly inspirational...

These are only a few murals from her whole lot of collections...

Ananthashyanam -  This is really huge!

Radhakrishanan

Krishna & Kuchela

I will display my work in the next post. Underneath is the picture of 'Unmeelanam' or 'Opening the Eyes'. According to the mural tradition, it is the guru who does the eye in the very first creation of the student. It was a Friday, the lamp was lit and the Unmeelanam was done. I chose Goddess Saraswathy as she is considered the Goddess of Learning, since I was learning a new art, I thought that would go well with my artwork. I must say, It has been lucky for me.

My guru is opening the eyes of my artwork - Goddess Saraswathy

Until my next post...

it's me signing off.

Flowers for Friends

'Bouquet' with colour pens...most recent one

 

watercolour with acrylics

Here's few flowers for my dear friends in Dubai whom am missing deeply as I haven't seen them for over a month now. They don't read my blog but still they would know...Love ya all:))



This week I have been visiting temples which I get to do only during this time of the year as I am in my native land, Kerala. Since it is Karkadaga maasam (Malayalam month of the year) or the Ramayana month, it is said that visiting as many temples as possible is really good. It's so nice a feeling...to be in the almighty's presence, seeing all the lighted diyas (lamps) and to savour that spiritual and divine ambience and to feel protected. I love the fragrance of sandalwood paste (Kalabham), incense, flowers and camphor...everything that reaches one when standing in front of the Sreekovil(sanctum sanctorum). Almost always I get carried away and I feel like crying, I don't know why!!! maybe I am nuts! Anyways I LOVE that feel! I feel I am Loved the most and HE will take care of everthing. Does that happen to you???