Riding through the by-lanes

'Riding through the by-lanes'

Watercolor on Bockingford Paper,

21 x 14 inches

close-up

Painting published in Pratique Des Arts

Very happy to share that my painting 'Bicycle by the blue wall' has been included in the watercolor special issue of PRATIQUE DES ARTS, a very prestigious and popular French art magazine. I'm very thankful to the editor and the publishers.

My paintings at India Art Festival

India Art Festival (IAF), a leading modern and contemporary art fair in India is the only art fair that presents two annual editions in two different cities –Mumbai and New Delhi.

This year IAF is presenting its Sixth edition at Nehru Center, Mumbai, India from 06 to 09 October 2016 where a few paintings of mine will also be exhibited courtesy of artzolo.com

So if anyone in or around Mumbai is planning to attend the fest, do visit Art Zolo's booth (Nos. 71, 72 & 73) Thank you and have a great week ahead!

Harsh Sun

'Harsh Sun'

Watercolor on Arches CP 300 gsm Paper

14 x 21 inches

Apart from the lovely play of light and shadows, what moved me to paint this subject was the muse -the old woman sitting on the street protecting herself from the harsh sun while selling her items. The sun here is a metaphor for the harsh difficulties she faced in her life. She was forced to earn bread for her family at an age when she should be enjoying her last few years with her children and grand children or it may also be that she had no one now who would care for her.

Anyway, life is difficult for her and I have tried to depict this harsh reality in my painting.

Standing Tall Through Time

'Standing Tall Through Time'

Watercolor on Arches Rough 300 gsm paper

21 x 14 inches

This is a scene from Ahmedabad. The city still has such old and beautiful buildings which have managed to stand through the passage of time although sadly they are being brought down to make way for the new modern buildings. Some groups organize heritage walks in the old parts of the city which is an absolute delight for photographers and artists alike.

I found these neighborhoods and lanes so quiet and peaceful, a different world altogether, away from those bustling, crowded and chaotic arterial roads with their noise and pollution!

Also, this painting has been accepted for the '1st international watercolor biennial' organized by the International Watercolor Society, Thailand which will be held in Bangkok from 1st till 16th Oct. 2016. I'm participating as one of the Showcased artists in the biennial. I feel honored and very thankful to the organizers.

Evening Coffee

'Evening Coffee'

Watercolor on Fabriano paper 300 gsm CP

14 x 10 inches

This painting is one of my most favorites...a small piece, I'm very happy about and much fond of. You don't feel that way with all your paintings (until, of course, you sell them...lol)

Also this one has been chosen for the upcoming International watercolor exhibition in Budapest, Hungary from 9 - 25 Sep. 2016 organized by the IWS Hungary...yet another reason to be happy :-) I thank the jury and the organizers for the opportunity.

Spotlight # 2

Watercolor on handmade paper,

10 x 14 inches

Traffic near Mayo Hall

Watercolor on Arches CP Paper,

14 x 21 inches

This is one of the important landmark buildings in Bengaluru - the Mayo Hall. I did this from my reference photograph that I took when I lived there for a couple of years. The building was painted in white then. Recently it was changed to red, which might look good to people, but to us painters, particularly watercolorists, it might not be so because the red sometimes feels chalky/opaque and may get muddy thereby losing the essence of watercolors- transparency and vibrancy.

My selection in MINI CASTRA 2016

2 of my small watercolors have been accepted into the Mini Castra 2016 exhibition in Slovenia, Europe. Very thankful to the jury and the organizers of the exhibition.

'Catching the sun'

Watercolor on Fabriano paper,

7 x 10 inches

'Flower Market'

Watercolor on Fabriano paper,

7 x 10 inches

My Group Show Invite

You are cordially invited for my upcoming group show 'PANCHA TATVA' at Chitrakala Parishat, Bangalore from 5 - 9 Feb. 2016.

Please check the invite for more details.

Have a great day!