Moon Ladies

Sorry that I haven't been able to post for the last couple of weeks. I was travelling with my family and I hadn't enough time to paint a thing except a sketch or two. I am not very much fond of drawing amid crowd...I do need to overcome that though. I have shot quite a number of pictures hoping to create them in leisure. Now, many personal projects are pending! I have to take that all up one by one! 

I am posting these 3 pictures I had painted three years back when I was in Dubai. I call them Moon Ladies. I had used photos of some stunning models/actors as a reference. Acrylic inks are what I have used to paint my Moon Ladies. One of them was posted HERE along with one of my poems. Dedicating and linking it to my gorgeous Paint Party Friday ladies.

So how have you all been?

Winged Journeys - Call for Submissions

What do you think of WINGS?

Wings painted on one of the walls in Fort Kochi. Artist anon.

It is said:

"Until you spread your wings you will have no idea how far you can fly."

There are so many of us who like – love pictures where wings are portrayed. Probably that’s why we love fairies. There’s a certain element of magic to the whole theme of wings. Apart from that there’s this sense of freedom, courage, lightness that we connect with wings...that makes us often wonder at the sense of liberty birds enjoy...sometimes even the tiny forms of wings...butterflies, dragonflies, fireflies...evoke a sense of awe. There's always this wishful thinking..."If only I had wings..." 
Probably that's why I like the story of Icarus and his tragedy strikes a chord! 

So what about wings? Why am I talking about it today?

I am calling for submissions.

Of what, you mean?

If you have ever taken a picture of yourself in front of any wings – painted, assembled, carved, hand-made etc. etc. etc. I request you to email the picture with a pretty good resolution. This is to compile an assortment of pictures which will then be published in this blog. And if there’s some story behind that picture...it’s an added aura...rather an added feather!!! 

When I  grew wings in Dubai - Dubai Garden Glow

It was the first time I had been to 'Dubai Garden Glow' the last summer vacation. It wasn't open when we were residents of Dubai that was until 2013. Though we have visited Dubai after that on other occasions we couldn't make it then. I am usually not very fond of my pictures being clicked. This was the first time I was taking a picture, standing on the pedestal while others were watching! A small queue had formed for their pictures to be taken. Such are the power of 'Wings'!

So friends, what are you waiting for? Also need your permission to share the blogpost/story in Facebook as well. Share and spread the word dears. Remember to share the details below. You can use the hashtag #wingedjourneys #huesnshades in your post.

Email your pictures with stories to mail.huesnshades@gmail.com (Remember there is a DOT between MAIL and HUESNSHADES). Please check the email address before you hit the send button.

On a closing note:

Looking forward to your 'Winged Journeys'...

#wingedjourneys #huesnshadesblog #deepagopalsunil

ps: stay tuned...next post will be about an artist who can awe and stir us with wings. 

Sketches, Some more.

Being in Dubai for a month provided me with some ample time for sketches. It had become a routine. Now that I am back and got hold of the other necessities a family environment demands particularly with buying a new space and settling in, I hadn't been able to post anything new for sometime now. A continuation of the previous post...these are sketches from Dubai, from magazines, photos and the right-hand down is a reproduction of the renowned Nikolai Roerich's .

These are called E26 series named after the number of our residence in Dubai.

People

Forms and faces

In multitudes

Dance in awe

The repeated shackles

Of mundane existence

Caught up in

Neck-tied situations

Perspiring from morn

To night

To make ends meet

Some luxuriously

Some laboriously

Some with smile

Some with wry smirk

Some with plain face

Yet there’s a smile

Born every now and then

Reigniting, reinventing

The little joys of life.

Sketching people

I have been in the practise of doing art almost daily until and unless I am travelling. I like to paint more than I sketch but in the last couple of days I am sketching more because I have been travelling and all my supplies aren't easy enough to carry. And know what I am enjoying this process too!

People are one of the most interesting to observe. Sometimes our own detached selves! It is interesting not only to note the expressions and mannerisms but also the fact that what we perceive would be different from what they really are. Every person would have parallel stories taking place in their lives. Not all stories would be known to the people knitted in their lives; each story known perhaps to a certain number of the close ones alone. It’s amazing when you think how many stories are going on right at this moment in this whole world. Truth is stranger than fiction!

Except for the first and the last the rest are from life. The first one is a reproduction of Jenny Halstead which is the picture on my Derwent charcoal box. The last one is an image I came across in google. The rest from pictures I shot. I had bought a moleskine some 2 years back and wasn't brave enough to use it lest it should go wrong!! Finally, it's moleskine time! Second and third are on Derwent sketch book.

These are called E26 series named after the number of our residence in Dubai.

charcoal, pen and pencils

So, what's going on at your end? What do you like to capture? What do you carry while travelling - pens, pencils, paints?

Voices of Women

Last week I took a trip to Ahalia Heritage Village, my second after almost a year! There were quite exciting changes in there with some delightful additions around the campus. The first, most noticeable one, of course was the windmill! None can miss that!!! It's gigantically huge and I was totally enamoured by it!

Not a clear picture...doesn't justify its enormity!
Took it from a moving bus...

If you haven't read my earlier posts on Ahalia...Read it here and here for you need to get an idea of the immensity and idyllic environment I am talking about.

It's always a pleasure to be in the presence of Devan Sir who is by the way an incredible human being as he is an incredible artist. We then drove to Ahalia Heritage Village as the bus takes us only till Ahalia Eye Hospital. The campus is enormously huge! I was honoured when Varma Sir, also joined us inspite of his migraine. It expresses their hospitality and I am so grateful to be at the receiving end. Both Varma Sir and Devan Sir are the inseparable elements of Ahalia! The warmth they, as well as each staff, emanates beaming with cordial smiles is something that would gratify any visitor! We did have a fruitful talk and discussion on very many things related to art and artists. I always enjoy such zesty vibes when there's so much art around! 

The Kerala murals that were in progress during my last visit had transformed and were in its full glory; enticingly appealing!

Tale of Padhirukulam in Kerala Mural style

There was also a Granite sculpture workshop held sometime back with skilled artists from all over India and their creations have been placed appropriately. It needs a little work with the completion of the base; Ahalia intends to form it as a sculpture garden which I personally believe would take it a new level. About those, may be in a later post once they are all set up!

The main idea, however, behind my trip was to see the works of the women artists' who had created some fabulous work in the last week of August from 19th to 25th. The occasion being Ahalia Women's Painting Camp; with thirteen artists from various parts of Kerala. They were each entrusted with a female mythological character beforehand; to create what they envisioned of their character. Almost each one of them had accomplished well!

Mithra with 'Sita'/ Teslin Jose with 'Kaikeyi' 

Anandavally with 'Savitri'/ Vani Naduvath with 'Gargi'

Leena Raj with 'Surpanakha'/ Santakumari with 'Sathi'

Suvarna with 'Seelavathi'/ Sreeja Pallam with 'Gandhari'

Anupama Alias with 'Ahalia'/ Jaya with 'Draupadi'

Chitra with 'Poothana'/ Dodsy Antony with 'Urmila'

Himahari with 'Tara'

To get a good view of Ahalia, one needs to place it this way :)

Anupama's 'Ahalia'

Varma Sir did mention that probably it's the first time that a workshop/camp on female mythological characters had been done by women artists. The workshop, however, seems successful with the versions the artists' have created. Each one has a unique narrative style and their interpretation stays true to the character they have been assigned with. The details some artists' have laboured on with finesse caught my eye... particularly Mithra, Sreeja, Jaya and Chitra.

While landscape seems to be the major preferred layout, Anupama and Himahari have tried the portrait one and that stands out too. I was reminded of Frida Kahlo and the Mexican style when I encountered 'Tara'; it does have a folksy touch to it. Devan sir mentioned that it was Mithra who has been portrayed in Himahari's painting as 'Tara' as they shared a strong bond of friendship in the camp; it's such tidbits that really adds warmth and color to the story! Agree?

It was, nevertheless, extremely difficult to choose a favourite as each one had some element that attracted me towards it!!! ...Perhaps 'Tara' stood a wee bit ahead with it's folksy touch as my friends who know me will gather it! ;)

Voicing the concerns of women from time immemorial, one can see the plight of women hasn't changed much over the centuries. Anguish and endurance seems to be part and parcel of a woman's life. Though one can find changes in several arenas particularly in the work field, 'She' has miles to travel to reach what 'She' can rightly term as 'liberty' in it's truest sense. All these female characters are epitome of endurance; their life was one of sorrow and sacrifice they willingly accepted for the sake of their better half/loved ones.

Artist Leena Raj questions as to why there is no change in the attitude of society towards women's issues, "It is still the same as it was for Surpanakha where a ruler like Rama humiliated and tortured her just because she fell in love with a man she desired." (from Times News Network article)

That set me thinking...doesn't it?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The views expressed are my own.

Art Is In The Air

Art was definitely in the air at DUCTAC (Mall of the Emirates in Dubai) last weekend when The Gallery of Light was filled with colourful and ambitious works of some amazing talents. It was a fabulous collection and a dazzling golden feather to Artzest's cap for having come so far in their passionate venture in such a short span. I remember their first show at Arabian Ranches some five years back which was superlative enough for a start with M.F.Hussain, himself, attending the show.

This is the second time I was visiting DUCTAC and the place is remarkable as it is one of the most prominent and happening centers of art in Dubai with workshops, exhibitions and plays going on frequently.

From the artworks, I have many personal favourites and I am a bit biased towards my friends (from FB) too :) ...but there were many new, promising and upcoming talents in this show. 

Faizal Saeed and Reham Saeed - ArtZest

A wonderfully determined couple attributing to ArtZest's success.

 Devi Seetharaman's welcoming work

 DUCTAC - The Gallery of Light - Mall of the Emirates

 Can you identify Santhana Krishnan's work?

 Mrs. Deepa Seetharaman(wife to Indian Ambassador in the U.A.E) and Peter Gressman 

 You can see Sekhar Roy, Ramesh Pachpande and Fawad Tamkanat's works.

 Gorgeous Devi Seetharaman with her Arabic ladies
(Daughter of Mr.Seetharaman, Ambassador of India) 

Devi Seetharaman and Anoushka (Krishna), my daughter :)

When Ms.Devi invited her to have a click...

Linking it to PPF...Some stunning works can be seen there... :)

Sketches, Scribbles and Drawings by K.G.Subramanyan

K G Subramanyan is a name to be reckoned with versatility, wit, satire and innovation in art. He is a painter, sculptor, muralist, print-maker and a designer. He is also a well-defined poet whose personal verses are more attractive than the famed poets themselves. Even at the age of 91 and being restricted, he is ever willing, agile and committed to his passion. I had the opportunity to see over 100 sketches, scribbles and drawings of eminent KGS at prominent venues – firstly at India House (Indian Ambassador’s Residence), Abu Dhabi and then at Sultan Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in Dubai which is a dedicated to art and culture in and around the region. The show was called 'Sketches, Scribbles and Drawings by K.G.Subramanyan.'

It was organized by Collage Communications in association with Seagull Foundation for the Arts based in Kolkata. Thanks to the team for bringing such an amazing talent within our reach; for the art lovers here in the U.A.E.

Along with the artworks there were also books by KGS - his art, his studies, his views and interpretations, children's books etc.

serene entrance to the India House (Indian Ambassador's residence, Abu Dhabi)

We were welcomed with warmth and cordiality by the Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Deepa Seetharaman. I was really touched by her grace. She certainly appears to be a connoisseur in art and that reflects in her aesthetic decor of the home and a personal collection of art books that were laid out along with the exhibit.

Born in Kerala, educated in Shantiniketan and currently residing in Baroda, KGS has been awarded Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He has been influential name in India’s art and design world for the past five decades.

The sketches begin from the 1960s, progresses to drawings in the 1970s, black and white sketches, scribbles and brush work with a major Asian influence in the 1980s, advances to nature and figure studies where one can see the Western influence and then to the current works with gouache which are just a couple of months old.

His reverse painting on mylar sheets is something I admire more for their ingenuity. I love the way he incorporates traditional devices into his art and ultimately makes it his own. There is also a huge number of his works (apart from black and white sketches, pens and crayons) that burst with the joy of colours particularly his gouaches. Though not a learned expert in art, I found an influence of Kalighat style in his paintings. All the same there is this cosmopolitan language that he speaks too. To me, his art definitely can’t be restricted or compartmentalized. 

According to KGS, from what I understand, one need not limit oneself to just western or eastern tendencies but rather one can definitely merge them and use it according to one’s taste taking it as metaphors. The best thing about him is that he doesn’t resist change and he moulds according to the evolving art. I would have loved to see his magnum opus, ‘War of the Relics’, which unfortunately couldn’t be brought in for the exhibition due to technical reasons.

The pictures below are from Sultan Ali Al Owais Cutural Foundation Gallery in Dubai. It's a major space with ample area and lighting and the works looked different in a different environment. KGS show is a travelling one as they are exhibiting in various parts of India and the Gulf.

I also happened to chance upon my FB friend and Dubai based artist, Atul Panase, and it was an immense pleasure talking to a humble and down-to-earth artist. :)

I would like to thank Mrs.Mini.S.Menon, a partner of Collage Communications for posting the event information in FB and to Mr.Ramachandra Babu, Senior Illustrator-Gulf News (whose wife Mrs. Beena Ramachandran is also a partner of the autonomous firm, Collage) who invited me to the show. I would also like to thank Mr. Krishna Kumar of Collage Communications (and his better half, Mrs. Suma Krishna Kumar who worked hard to make it all possible), whom we met at India House, and who invited us again to the Dubai show. To sum up, it was indeed an amazing experience to see in person the art works of a legendary artist of our times.

Women Of The Desert - The Show

Women of the Desert came to a close and I reached Dubai on the concluding day so couldn't enjoy it the way I wanted and missed to meet most of the artists...blame it all on the air traffic and the unavailability of tickets at this peek travel season in the Gulf! :) However I did make the best of it as the works were still there to have a good look, the installations were moved to a side though.

The exhibition took place at Gallery 76, DIAC (Dubai International Art Centre) in Jumeirah. It's a lovely and serene villa and I love the way it warmly welcomes us all in, every time! The small arabic arches adds beauty to the whole villa and so is the bougainvillea, almost always in full bloom. A small and cozy gallery space!

The works of various women artists - to have a look at the participating artists, you can drop by here. We had all tried our part in exploring femininity through various mediums and techniques and had tried to tell a tale - a short narrative of our lives; within and without. I am always attracted and excited by colours and there were no shortage of it in there! The gallery bursted with colours!

With my works

I also was able to meet a dear friend Pari Sagar, on the artwork collection date, with whom I have exhibited before and we had a really amazing time. Her works were my couple of favourites in the show. After collecting our artworks we had lunch together.

 With Pari Sagar and her paintings on my right

So that's it for today. Currently I am in Dubai and running a hectic schedule and enjoying it all :)

Until next week, it's a warm adieu!