'Big B'

     This is a quick fire portrait of Mr Amitabh Bachchan, who is popularly known as 'Big B' in India. He is an actor who has been firing the imaginations of Indians for the past 50 years. In his hey days he was also known as 'The angry young man' for the kind of roles he did. His popularity has still not faded even a wee bit. I, for one, am a big fan of his. Would like him to continue forever.
     Wanted to do a portrait for a change. What better subject than this ! And believe you me, this was pure fun... all the way. 

Mhadei sets sail again !

     Had done this work more than two years back. The occasion was... my friend, Commander Donde had successfully completed the solo circum-navigation of the world... the First Indian to do so. This painting is of his Sail Boat- Mhadei. Had to repost this pic because another Indian Naval officer- Lieutenant Commander Tomy has set course in the same small, fragile boat. He has also set course alone on this voyage... wants to repeat the feat... with an added challenge. He wants to go round the world... Non Stop... Unassisted ! Friends, please wish him luck. His live updates will be available for all
on http://sagarparikrama2.blogspot.in/.

Waiting for some action.

     A person like me, who is not a professional artist, often faces the dilemma .... 'to paint or not to paint'. Distractions like TV often try to dissuade one from picking up the brush. But once in a while comes a subject which galvanizes you into motion. This simple pic of this old boat was one of them. The painting was done in a little over an hour. Was not entirely satisfied with the results but was happy. What say.....?

Fly helicopters... Paint helicopters!

     I have been missing from my blog for some time but it is not that I have not been painting at all. Did this painting of an Alouette-III helicopter fitted with floats. This aircraft is capable of landing on water. Flying it was a pleasure. Gives you the pleasure of flying as well as sailing ! Was even paid a visit by two Dolphins once when we had landed off the Gujarat coast. That is an experience only some lucky sailors get. Anyway a friend wanted me to do this for him... was more than happy to oblige.

Therapy

     My work schedule has been quite tight and it was difficult to get out and paint in spite of invitations from some like minded friends. Picked up a picture of these Maple leaves from the net. Managed to squeeze in some painting time in between the hectic schedule and the result is in front of you. I have realized that painting acts as a stress buster when I am under pressure. I am wondering.... 'are there positive sides to stress' ? Can some one help ?

ASC Golf club@ Bangalore

     I am in Bangalore undergoing some hectic training. Thankfully the weekend was free. Went across with some friends to this golf course... not to play, but to paint ! However hard I tried the guys would not let me sit in the course with my paraphernalia at some vantage point... not permitted by the course regulations. Finally had no choice but to sit in the club house where the only view I had was a clump of trees. A tired caddy made the scene a little interesting. Half an hours job. Still something is better than nothing.

Pashupatinath Temple @Kathmandu

     This is the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu, Nepal. By tradition the priests of this temple have always been from India. Recently it was in the news due to some remuneration issues regarding the priests. This picture was published in the 'Hindustan Times' and caught my attention. Over the times the temple structure has been surrounded by haphazard construction. Wanted to paint it as it is without omitting any details. However had to be careful lest these structures overwhelm the temple in my painting also! Used a lot of negative areas and light shades to ensure this. Was successful to a large extent. Hope you like this.