Dariya Ganesh

     This is the Dariya Ganesh temple (Dariya meaning 'The Sea") on Dumas beach at Surat, a coastal city in western India. Surat is also known as the Diamond city as it is famous for diamond cutting and polishing industry. During low tide the temple is as seen in this painting but during the high tide the approach to the temple gets submerged. Lot of rocks have been piled all around probably to protect it from the rough seas. Well what I did come to know that this place is listed in the top Haunted places in the country! Thank God I did not know about this when I was sitting and painting there. But I think I need to go back there and look at it from a different perspective.

     Have a great weekend friends.

Just Do It.

     As usual the excuse for missing from the blogosphere is the same. But painting does relieve stress. Decided to squeeze in something. This one was done in vengeance. No reference, blank mind. Just a decision to paint anything. A quick fire village scene. Done in a record time. But it gave me a lot of relief and a lot of satisfaction. Hope you all like it. Have a great week ahead.

Happy New Year

     I have been missing from this place for some time now. The excuses are the same as every time I go missing. But I am here to wish all of you and all your near and dear ones a very happy new year. Have a great year ahead and may all your wishes be fulfilled. Happy painting.

Fly Helicopters Paint Helicopters

     This was a request from one of my friends who has been providing me umpteen subjects from the beautiful state of Jammu & Kashmir through his lenses. He flies this helicopter, and his wife who herself is an artist, wanted me to paint it for them. A rare honour indeed. Gave it my best and am happy with the result. Hope you all like it. 

     Have a great week ahead.

Ghanta Ghar @ Kanpur

        Kanpur is an old industrial city in the plains of the river Ganges. It is famous for its industries as well as the struggle for freedom during the British rule. I feel, after the British left, the aggression of the people emerged in the form of labour union troubles. One by one the industries also disappeared. The Ghanta Ghar or the Clock Tower, an old iconic structure still stands reminding us of the days gone by, probably still waiting for the good times to return.

        Have a wonderful week ahead.

Coming for a drive ?

     Every one who lives in some crowded modern city feels like getting out for a break. I am no exception. This was a picture clicked while on one of those drives. The hills of the Western Ghats in the distance, and a stream meandering through the landscape.  The scene looked lovely and decided to paint it. Hope you all like it.  

Tulail @ Gurez Valley, Kashmir

     A shabby signboard, about 30 km from Gurez reads 'Welcome to the Heaven on Earth". This whole valley, located on the fringes of the Indian controlled Kashmir, remains cut off from the rest of the world for about six months in a year due to heavy snowfall. In the midst of the mountains, are located these log houses of mud and brown colour. This, the locals say, is the identity of Tulail. In summers this place becomes a sight to see. Mountain sides of lush green meadows, interspersed with pine trees, an odd stream trickling down, all add to the beauty of the place. The people of this valley can trace their lineage to Afghanistan and Iran. It is only recently that they have opened their doors to the outside world and modern education. 

     Really enjoyed painting this. Hope you all like it. Have a great week ahead.