Miles to go before I sleep...

     We are fortunate to have all kinds of terrain in India. The western region has a large desert called the Thar desert. As military aviators we used to fly very low at times. In such terrain there is no fear of any high-rises or invisible cables as there is only sand and sand for miles. This was a scene I had come across a long time back and was etched in my mind. Finally decided to put it to paper with the help of some reference pictures. 

     Hope you like it. Have a nice weekend.

     

@ Porbandar: In search of The Mahatma.

    

     I am back in Porbandar where the flying schedule is a little relaxed. This happens to be the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. A small museum has been made around the humble abode where he was born. What caught my eye was this grand old arch way just next to his home. This is about 150 years old and happens to be the heart of the town. Am sure Gandhi must have played in this square as a kid.  Would he ever have thought that his statue would adorn the same place in times to come ! 

     Painting this was fun. Hope you like this little piece of history. And yes... I am sorry I go missing from my blog at times and fail to appreciate the good work being done by my good friends. It is not intentional but work pressures do overtake you at times. Hope you will forgive me.

Gladioli

     Well again there is no background or story behind this painting.... Just pure love for these lovely flowers and colours.
     Have a nice weekend.

Seagulls

     Wanted to paint a sea-scape. Found an interesting picture on the net. It was fun painting the waves... one of those times when I did not want to try too hard and let the picture emerge of its own free will. The painting came out nice but some how it looked lifeless. the waves just did not have the life that I wanted. As an after thought I decided to add the sea gulls. It immediately brought life into the barren sea. What do you think ? At least I felt so, and decided to honor them by calling the painting 'Seagulls'

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.