Somnath

 

     This is a painting of the Somnath temple, which has been a symbol of the resilience of the Hindu faith. No one knows when this temple was built originally. After the first time it was destroyed, it was rebuilt in 649 AD. This temple has been destroyed nearly a dozen times.... by the Persians, Arabs, Mughals, by rulers within the country and outside the country. It was looted of it's riches over and over and left to crumble. But some how faith always brought it back. It was finally rebuilt after India gained independence. Some additions are still being made! For reference I am also adding a picture of the state this temple was in before it was last built.

    This temple happened to be very close to where I am currently flying. So what better subject than this to paint. Hope you all found the story interesting and like the work above.

Huzoor Palace @ Porbandar

     I am in the land of 'The Mahatma' or 'Bapu' or 'Mahatma Gandhi' as the world knows him. Porbandar is his place of birth. This painting is of the 150 room palace of the erstwhile King of the erstwhile state of Porbandar. It was built in the early 20th century by the then King Natwar Singh. He named it 'Huzoor Palace'. Huzoor can be roughly translated as 'My Lord'. But before he could enjoy the fruits of his labour, India gained independence and his kingdom became a part of the Indian Union. Devastated, he migrated to UK. His son who inherited this palace keeps visiting but either due to lack of interest or resources, the palace is in a state of disrepair. What surprised me most was that the locals do not even know his name... so neither do I. What an irony, all this wealth and prosperity could not give him recognition. But, the whole world remembers Mahatma Gandhi who was born in a small house in this same place. It goes to prove that all your wealth cannot buy you what your good deeds can.

     Hope you all enjoyed this small bit of history and also like this work.       

Playtime 2

     There are times when I run out of patience and just want to play with colors... just chill ! This painting was the creation of one of those moments. At such times I just pick up a subject or at times start with nothing at all in mind and keep dabbling with colors. In this case I had not washed my palette since my last two or three paintings. Just picked it up, a rough drawing of the center rose... and I was on a roll ! It was 'Playtime'. It was an afternoon well spent. Only thing missing was a glass of chilled beer ! I enjoyed myself... hope it brings a smile to your face also.

Another attempt

          Some time back some one had told me that I will find portraits difficult to do. I have taken his words seriously and hence had made two in oils earlier. Wanted to do one in watercolors also. Was looking around for a subject and decided to trouble my Captain for a sitting. I am sure he was a bit apprehensive but agreed. The end result is in front of you. He was thrilled so I can presume it must be OK. 

Wanna Dance ???

     Well..... this time I have no interesting tit bits and no story to tell. It is plain and simple, I found this picture of a ballet dancer, loved it and decided to paint it. Tell me what you think.
(Ref pic courtesy Eva Bajo Skladane)

Sunset @ Vizag

     There you are... the helicopter flies off to a new destination. I am currently in the port town of Vishakhapatnam or Vizag as it is popularly called.  This is a growing town with some (thankfully) clean beaches. After a hectic day's flying it is really great to go for long walks in the evening. The sunset on one of these walks was really lovely. Captured the scene on my camera and painted it in water colors in my room. This is what keeps me going. I enjoyed doing it, hope you also like it.

Jalebeeeeeee !

     The first month of the year and nothing to talk about. I am sorry but that is what happens when you are in a demanding profession. Anyway I have some more interesting tit-bits for you all.
     North India is famous for it's street food. Unfortunately most of the tourists shy away from it because of hygiene reasons. But let me assure you some of those avoidable looking stalls serve some real yummmmy delicacies. One of the dishes served at many places is a sweet called Jalebi. Though the earliest mention of this dish in Indian texts dates to 1450 AD but we are still not sure if we can lay a claim to its origins. A very similar dish is called Zulubiya in Iran, Zellabia in Lebanon and Z'labia in Tunisia. Any way, who ever wins, the final winner is this tasty dish called Jalebi. So next time you visit us do make it a point try it.
     I hope you love this painting of a street food vendor and also get to enjoy his Jalebis. Have a fantastic year ahead.



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