Stone head

Oil on Canvas  9" x 12"

This is a painting of a stone head sculpture from Sarnath dating back to the 3rd century BC. It probably portrays the head of a merchant, evident from the adornments. I actually started this painting before going to India this summer, and decided to finish it a couple of days back. Interestingly,   I saw the original sculpture  ( or perhaps something identically similar) when I visited the National Museum in Delhi. It was a delight to be there and to trace back our roots in the journey of fine-arts. The sculptures of the Gupta period were astonishing!! Someday I hope to paint some of them. 

Thanks for visiting my blog! I have a couple of more paintings finished, waiting to be uploaded. Come back soon for more!! 

Vishnu sculpture

Graphite 8" x10"

This is a pencil drawing of the Hindu God Vishnu.  It's from a red sandstone sculpture of the Gupta period   (about 5th century AD). Despite all the damage it has sustained, the form maintains perfect elegance.

This drawing takes me back to the days when I decided to make a serious commitment to art. My journey started a little over two years back, but at that time I had no idea where to go. A friend of mine, Soumitro Banerjee gave me the initial guidance, help and all the encouragement that I needed to spend endless hours slogging. The first year was all about improving my drawing skills. I moved on to other things after that, but somehow the pencil drawings still remain closest to my heart! 

Shiva-Parvati statue

Oil on Canvas 24" * 36"

This is a painting of a 11th century statue of Shiva and Parvati. I pushed myself to make a large painting after a very long time. Usually, I paint small and tight. I don't think I have the patience to work big, so I will get back to the smaller ones that can be completed in a couple of days! And that way I can post on my blog more often too. Hope you keep visiting!!

Onlooker

Pastel on La Carte paper 8" X 12"

Photo Courtesy : Devajyoti Sarkar.

This painting is from a photograph taken by my friend Devajyoti Sarkar. I especially liked her expression, as if trying to look at something eagerly and wanted to capture it. And of course, the colorful Rajasthani outfits are always a joy to paint!

Rajasthani Woman

Pastel on Pastelmat 8" x 10"

This is a portrait of a Rajasthani woman. Painting people of Rajasthan  is a lot of fun. Their colorful outfits are so beautiful and the women usually wear lovely traditional and chunky silver jewelry. I am making a portrait painting after a long time. My entree at the art exhibition made me realize how much I have missed making them. Hopefully I will paint a  few more!