Need a break

     I have been flying without a break for some time. Desperately need a break from the concrete jungle where I stay. While surfing through the net for a destination, I stumbled upon this pic. Forget the holiday, I decided to test a sample hand made paper which had been lying with me for a long time. It costs a fraction of some of the good brands. I found it really satisfactory for such quick sketches. Need to get more of it. 

     Happy painting every one.

@ Boothapandi

     Boothapandi is a small hamlet in the state of Tamil Nadu. This picture is of a village temple with a canal running next to it. The lush greenery, the old structure, the desolate look, all called for a painting. One of my friends who has his roots in this place had clicked this pic. He kindly consented to let me paint it. Hope I have managed to do justice to the atmosphere and you all like it.

     Have a great week ahead with lots of happy painting.

Doodh Sagar II

     Doodh Sagar means sea of milk.  This waterfall has been aptly named as the fine misty spray it kicks up gives an impression of flowing milk. To top it all a railway line passes just below the fall. The train emerging from the mist is an amazing sight. Had painted it earlier also ( http://akspaintings.blogspot.in/2016/04/konkan-railway-doodhsagar.html )but wanted to do it in oils this time. Hope you all like it. Have a great week.

IWS India biennale

     Well last month there was a mega water colour festival in Delhi organised by the International Watercolor Society, India. One of my paintings was also selected and exhibited. Took out time to attend the show. It was a great experience meeting and interacting with artists from around the world. There was representation from 60 countries. It was a great honour as well as a learning experience.

Birla Mandir @ Jaipur

      This is the Birla Mandir or Birla Temple of Jaipur. There are seven such temples in India built by the Birla family. It is located at the base of the Moti Dungri fort. It looks stunning when lit up at night. This work was done plein air sitting on the footpath next to a busy square. Am sure I must have inhaled smoke emanating from vehicles worth 20 cigarettes while painting this. In the end it was worthwhile. What do you think?

@ Matheran III

     Well this is another painting of Matheran. It is an amazing place for long walks specially in the monsoons. Just put on your raincoats and walk off in any direction. It is paradise all around. Small road side stalls sell hot cups of tea and small eats. Just sit down there, chit chat, relax and start walking again when refreshed.

      Hope you all like this work. 

@Matheran II

     Well Matheran is one of the closest weekend getaways from Mumbai. It is also one of my favourite. It also happens to be one of the smallest hill stations in India. Its USP is that it is a vehicle free zone. The only vehicles permitted in this place are the ambulance and fire brigade. The only means of transportation are horses and hand pulled rickshaws. It is a paradise for trekkers. This painting was done from a picture clicked in my last visit there. Hope you all like it.

         Have a great week ahead.