Purple Pansies

Pastel on La Carte Paper 5" x 7"

I decided to continue with the flowers. This is not exactly my style because usually I don't make busy backgrounds. I guess I need to make a few more of these to get comfortable.

Purple Tulip



Pastel on La Carte paper 5" * 7"

I painted this for the PADT Challenge-28 at paintanddrawtogether.blogspot.com. I spent more time working on the background and the leaves rather than the actual flower, to get the effect of the backlighting. I am quite pleased with the outcome and look forward to the upcoming challenges.

White Lotus

Pastel on La Carte paper  5" x 7 "

The last couple of paintings I made didn't quite turn out the way I wanted, so I didn't post them on the blog. Then I started a relatively larger painting and I am going to take my time to finish it. But it's important to regularly keep making small paintings as an exercise. So here's what I have.

India Gate Canopy at Sunset

Pastel on Canson paper 5"x 7'

This is just a study. I used a number of reference photographs to make this. I had a few sunset photos and a few photos of the canopy. Although my favorite pastel surface is La Carte, this time I used Canson paper thinking it will be quicker and easier to blend. But every time I use a new surface, my fondness for the La Carte only increases.

Bara Gumbad Tomb

Pen and ink 8"x10"

This is a sketch of Bara Gumbad (Big Dome) at Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi. It's a prominent structure in the middle of the garden, adjoining the bara gumbad mosque to the right. I have drawn this from a photograph taken by my friend Devajyoti Sarkar, and I am really thankful to him for always so happily letting me use his compositions.

India Gate, New Delhi

Pastel on La Carte paper 8" x 10"

India Gate - situated in the heart of Delhi, and the heart of every Delhiite. I decided to draw a series of monuments in Delhi, and the first that comes to mind is the India Gate.The best part about painting is that it takes me to places where I want to be!

Athpula - Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi

Pastel on La Carte paper 16" x 20"

This painting is from a photograph I took of the Athpula  ("eight piered") bridge at the Lodhi Gardens last summer. The beautifully maintained lush green trees, the watercourse running through the  bridge, and red bricks complementing the trees makes this a lovely composition.