The spirit of freedom.

     Some time back I was in Porbandar, a town on the west coast. On one of my morning jogs, on a road outside the town, while crossing a stretch covered with trees and thick undergrowth, I noticed some movement. I stopped as this area has its share of stray leopards. On looking carefully I realised it was a herd of wild horses, waiting to cross the road. Finally they overcame their hesitation, came out in the open and quickly disappeared the other side. They were not very well fed, or well groomed but still had a different air about them. Was it freedom that added that extra bounce in their steps? I guess so....!

     This fleeting experience forced me to paint horses.... wild horses. Hope you all agree with me and hope you like this work.

    

Say it with Lilys

     Flowers have always been a favourite subject with me. This is another one in the series. I am envious of artists who can make a painting with a limited palette. But I guess I love a riot of colors. Hope you like it. Have a great week ahead.

Fly helicopters, paint helicopters.

     This is another painting of the Alouette helicopter which I had flown long time back. Helicopters are basically very versatile machines which can be used for many tasks, from life saving to ceremonial. This one was painted showering flower petals. It was painted on request from a Unit where I had served long back. Military personnel have very strong bonds and it was a request I just could not turn down. Hope you all like it. 

     Have a great week ahead.

Diskit Gompa-II

     In the northern edge of Ladakh is a small place called called Diskit. This monastery is nestled high above in the mountains. It was built in the 14th century. It is a seat of learning for the local children. They are given modern education. It is connected to the Mongolian mythology in that an evil anti buddhist demon was killed in its grounds. His head and hands are still preserved here.

     I had  already painted this long back in watercolors. This time wanted to experiment with photo colors. Tried this medium for the first time. Found it a little tricky to handle but it was fun. Just keep pouring and let the colors do their work! 

Retired hurt.

     Flying for the off shore oil and gas sector keeps me close to the coast and big and small harbors. Also watching small fishing boats fighting the raging waves has instilled in me a lot of respect for the sea men. Hence this is another in the series of boats that I have been painting. These two old fishing trawlers were waiting to be broken down or probably repaired. Found it an interesting subject and managed a quick water color sketch. Just tried to capture the atmosphere of the docks. Hope I have succeeded. 

Cherry Blossom

     When ever I want to paint but some how am not able to start, I paint flowers. They are pure therapy for me. Started this one, lost control of it midway, and wanted to abandon it. This is what happens when the gap between two paintings is large. But then I decided to complete it whatever be the result. I think I did manage to salvage it to some extent. Not very happy but then that is how life is. Enjoy the good moments and take the not so good in your stride. Have a nice weekend friends.

Happy Holi

          Holi is a Indian festival which is slowly gaining popularity over other regions of the world. It is known as the festival of colors or the festival of love. It signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is a free for all carnival of colors where people play with dry and wet colors using water cannons and color filled balloons. Every one is a fair target... friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, adult or child. Singing and dancing on drum beats is a part of the revelry. Sweets and 'bhang', a drink made from cannabis is a must! They say, on this day one must forget all grudges and be one.

          Have tried to capture the chaotic revelry. It did get overworked at places... but then learning is a process. Hope you all like it and... excuse me... have to go out. The celebrations are starting outside. The colors of Holi are waiting.