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.

Playtime

     I find water colors so much fun as a medium. No other medium surprises you so much. I love washes, spattering, splashing, pouring.... in short at times I just keep playing with colors. Let the painting take the shape it desires. Just go with the flow. At times it works and at times it does not. This is one of those works where I could not decide whether it worked or not !!! What say ???

Majestic

     The elephant is one of the most majestic animals on this planet. I have seen them in both Africa and India. The African one is definitely more handsome with its huge tusks and ears. But the Indian elephant is luckier than its African brother. Firstly it does not have large tusks which have become a nightmare for the african elephant. The ivory is the major cause for rampant poaching. Also the Indian elephant is lucky to have Lord Ganesha or the Elephant God as its protector. Hindus hold this God in reverence and hence no one dare harm the elephant. Hope we can find a way to protect the African  elephant also.
     This is a small watercolor I did as I had not painted for a long time and was finding it difficult to pick up my brushes. Enjoyed it after all.