Kasturchand Park @ Nagpur

     I am presently in the Orange city of Nagpur in central India. Am here on an official trip. What better way to spend an otherwise lazy Sunday than painting. Got in touch with an artist friend who paints with a group on sundays. They were all getting together at this lovely park in the heart of the city- Kasturchand Park. 

     This is a huge park which is used for all kind of get togethers. It has a large pavilion in the centre which is used for religious functions. There was a large circus tent pitched in the background. Morning walkers and cricket crazy children thronged the place. We sat down on one side for our share of fun. About three hours was all that we spent. By my standards it was quick work. Hope you all like it.

     Have a great week ahead.

Afghan Church @ Mumbai

          When I first heard the name 'Afghan Church', I had wondered what the Afghans had to do with a church! On reading the history of the place it revealed that this church was built in 1847 in memory of the British soldiers who lost their lives in the first Anglo - Afghan war. The retreat of the British forces from Kabul in 1842 is considered the worst disaster suffered by them in India. The church was built entirely with locally available material and is known for  its wide gothic arches and stained glass windows. The tall structure was supposed to be a landmark for the ships in the Bombay Harbour but is now dwarfed by sky scrapers all around.

          This work was done plein air. The October heat was killing. However I did manage to finish it. This blog should not remain idle lest my friends forget me! Am sorry was missing from the scene for a long time. Work compulsions. 

           Hope you all like this. Have a great weekend.

Kanheri Caves @ Mumbai

     Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the only reserved forest located in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Hidden inside this reserved forest are these ancient Buddhist caves. I was surprised that many residents of Mumbai do not know about these caves.

     These caves date back to the 1st century BC. There are a total of 109 caves in all. Most of these caves are viharas or place to live, study and meditate. The larger ones were Chaityas or halls for congregational worship. They are dotted with Buddhist sculptures and reliefs. By 3rd century AD it had become a major seat of Buddhist learning. 

      It was one of those rare occasions when I had some time to try out Plein air work and could not find a better subject. Hope you like it and do plan a visit to this place. I offer to be your guide!

Fly Helicopters Paint Helicopters

     A friend of mine wanted to gift a helicopter painting to someone. He gave me 24 hours notice make one. The choice was between water and acrylics. The latter won because I had been wanting to experiment with acrylics for a long time. This was a quick fire work. He liked it. Hope you all do too.

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.