Reporting over Trimbak.......

     While flying near a place called Nasik in Western India I had been reporting at a point called Trimbak as directed by the Air Traffic Control. A few days back some friends planned a weekend trip to a small temple town nearby. I also tagged along. When I came to know that the temple was called Trimbakeshwar it set my head working. Google maps confirmed my hunch... the reporting point on the airway had been named after this temple as it was exactly overhead. This happens to be the place of origin of the Godavari, the largest river in peninsular India.

     Had reached the place after fresh showers and the courtyard was wet which threw interesting reflections. Made an interesting subject. Hope you like it. Have a great week ahead.

Ghats of Varanasi

     Varanasi is the spiritual capital for the Hindus. It is also called the 'the city of temples, the holy city of India, the religious capital of India, the city of lights and also the oldest continuously lived city of the world'. The history of this city is older than all the major religions of the world. People make pilgrimage to this holy city to attain inner peace. It is said that dying in this city gets you instant salvation. It is located on the banks of the river Ganges which is considered the holy river. Once upon a time it is said that the water of this river had magical healing powers. Unfortunately due to the vagaries of modern living it has become very polluted. But the faith of the people remains unchanged. No one goes back from this city without taking a holy dip. If you visit India, do visit this city for a spiritual experience. Hope this painting of one of the Ghats (embankments) of Varanasi is able to capture the character of this city.

Sailing Away...

     As a helicopter pilot flying offshore regularly, I see small fishing boats fighting the raging waves in the middle of nowhere, with no one else in sight for miles. Keep wondering what kind of mettle these sailors are made of. Probably it is a question of their livelihood. In contrast, close to the harbour I also see these sailors sailing for fun, entertainment and sport. Life can be such an irony. What ever be the case, boats, big or small, are all really fascinating.

     Recently  I got a chance to witness a Regatta. Sport aside, the artist inside me jumped up with joy at the sight. The result is in front of you.

     Have a nice weekend.

Fishing boats @ Kakinada

     I am presently at the Port town of Kakinada on the eastern coast of India. Long time back this used to be a sleepy little fishing village. Fishing boats were  the only sea faring vessels here. Then people realised that it was a natural harbour. The traffic increased. A few years back oil was discovered off the coast in this region. The traffic just went on multiplying. The village became a crowded town with people jostling for breathing space. The fishing boats got pushed to a corner called the fishing boat harbour. Some of them found space in some water channels coming into the city. They also appear to be struggling for breathing space. 

     It was a lovely subject to paint. Hope I have done justice to it. 

Lamayuru Monastery

    This is the Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh, located at an altitude of 3,510 metres. It was built by the builder monk Rinchen Zangpo who is said to have built 108 monasteries in this region. It is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. It can house about 400 monks at a given time. It gets its name from the Lamayuru rock on which it was built. We helicopter pilots also call the area 'moon face' because of the way the terrain appears from the air. 

     I enjoyed painting this though was not satisfied with the results. It got over worked at places. Though I did manage a story for you all. Thanks and enjoy the week ahead.

Lavender

     I was very fascinated with a flower called Delphinium. The lavender color was so mesmerizing. I simply could not resist the temptation to paint them. Some where down the line the painting appeared to go out of hand. Tried to salvage it some how. The result is here. Hope it looks respectable.

J L T

     Well... JLT stands for 'Just like that'. Well this work was done just like that. No stories and no history lessons. Was in no mood for any serious work. Found an interesting picture and just decided to enjoy myself. Hope all of you like it. Have a nice weekend.