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.

Cottage behind the Pines.

     The Srinagar valley is called the 'Paradise on Earth'. It is an artists paradise too. Any side you turn your head, there is a landscape waiting to be painted. Had flown in that area before the advent of digital cameras and I did not possess one. Was not seriously hooked on to watercolors also in those days. Keep wondering how wonderful it would be to traverse the interiors of this beautiful region with my watercolours. A great friend Indranil Bhattacharya, happens to be flying in that sector and gave me a chance to revisit the place through his lenses. His clicks happen to be next best to seeing the place live. He kindly gave me a blanket consent to paint whatever I liked.

    This pic of a wooden cottage with huge french windows, behind some pine trees caught my attention. The chairs under the pines looked so inviting. Wish the owners invited me for Kahwa (Kashmiri tea). Well someday. Keep dreaming n keep painting.

Ward's Lake @ Shillong

     Shillong is the capital of the north Indian state of Meghalaya, which means the abode of clouds. The European settlers found this place so similar to Scotland that they called it the Scotland of the East. In the middle of the town is an artificial lake called Ward's lake which is very popular with the locals and tourists alike. Had loved the place when I was posted there long back. Have painted the boat house of the lake. Hope you all like it.
     Have a great weekend.

Maro Ghagro Jo Ghoomyo

     The Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for its culture and history. The grandeur of the Rajput kings is still visible every where. It is a major tourist destination. The culture of this state is distinct. The highly cultivated classical music and dance is a part of its heritage. The folk music is uncomplicated and reflects daily chores. The traditional dress is colourful and eye catching. The combination of vibrating music, colourful dresses and high voltage moves makes it an unforgettable spectacle. The post title has been taken from a folk song which literally translated means 'when my skirt swirls'. Well this attempt can never do justice to the actual dance but hope it motivates you to try and make it to Rajasthan sometime. 

      Have a great weekend.

Konkan railway @ Doodhsagar

     The Indian western coast is flanked on one side by the Western Ghats, a hill range covering the entire coast line. The hills are covered with thick forests and heavy rainfall is the norm. The Konkan rail line, as it is called was constructed along this hill range. This is a beautiful and scenic journey which will mesmerise anyone. It has 91 tunnels and over 2000 bridges.The construction of this line was a real challenge. The tunnels had to be dug through loose soil. There was no technology available in the world for this and much of the work had to be carried out manually. The frequent cave ins and landslides claimed 19 lives. It was completed in six years in 1998.

     The picture I have painted here is the train arriving at the Doodhsagar station. 'Doodhsagar' is a waterfall (the tallest in India) which means 'sea of milk', The fine spray of the fall creates a feel of white milk with the hills in the backdrop. The train chugging in through the spray is a breathtaking sight. I hope I have been able to capture the atmosphere and you get motivated to visit this place. Trust me you will not regret.

     Have a great weekend.

Abandoned @ Rajahmundry

     I am in a town close to the east coast, called Rajahmudry. It is a very old town named after a king called Rajah Mahendravaram. It is called the cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is said that the Telugu language originated here. It is full of tidbits of history. Just outside my hotel, on a hillock, saw some old abandoned bungalows. Was told that they dated back to the British times. Wanted to explore them but the road leading to the top had disappeared in thick shrubs. There was actually no way to reach the top. Finally sat down in a parking lot at the base of the hillock and did this plein air work. I think I did manage to catch the atmosphere and hope you all like it.

Fly Helicopters, Paint Helicopters.

     Well, as usual have been missing from the cyberspace for some time. Was busy with flying commitments and the exhibition which went off well. Finally managed to complete a request which had been pending for quite some time. My friends usually request paintings of helicopters. But this one came with a rider... The Umaid palace as the backdrop. This gentleman had emotional attachments with this place as he had commanded a helicopter unit here. And I believe art is incomplete without emotions. Had to take up the challenge. The composition was difficult as there was no ready reference material. Getting the angles and the perspective correct proved to be a herculean task. After numerous failures managed to get it right. Hope you like it.

     Oops, forgot the history bit. This palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The architect was a British gentleman Henry Vaughan Lanchester. The construction started in 1929 and finished in 1943. But with Indian independence in 1947 and the Maharajas losing their seats of power and their purses, they found the upkeep of this property difficult. Presently a section is the private residence of their descendants and the major part is a five star hotel. Those of you who want a taste of the luxuries of the erstwhile maharajas of India, must try this out.