My first professional venture

Late last month, my friend's husband suddenly asked whether I was ready to take up an assignment. He wanted a painting of a waterfall with all greenery and lots of flowing water...he and his wife being the strong believer in Feng-shui. Knowing the size of the painting, I was apprehensive as I never did something as big as this one(44"x24"). I told him to give me some time to make up my mind. Finally, after a trial painting and thousands of pictures of waterfall I decided to give it a try. I started with the background wash and probably waited for another week to start the main theme...but ultimately, after 15 days of work I finished the painting and called them to show it with crossed fingers. My pain turned into gain when both of them literally jumped with joy after seeing the painting. The otherwise quiet other half of mine too could not hide his amazement....I really thank Raghvan and Shailaja for encouraging and patronising for this......the confidence I gained due to their encouragement is never to be forgotten.

My Grandmom

When I muse over my childhood days, every situation finds myself with one person and that's my maternal grandmom....I call her 'bhai'. Till date I haven't come across a lady with so many lady-like characters yet with a firmness not even found in many gentlemen of her age. She had been the iron-lady of the house supporting each member in her own way. Her poise, beauty and dignity always fascinated me. Even now, when she's 87, she keeps herself active in whatever way she can. She taught me one good lesson of life, to respect oneself. Till now I like to visualise her as the beautiful lady in white and the vermillions intact..love her like I've loved no-one else in my life.My childhood stll thrives with her........see you through your centuries Bhai..love you.

Ayan Hirsi Ali

For me feminism doesn't mean criticising men but standing for the rights of women..how small it may be. But most of us do not possess the required strength to be the voice one needs to be. The other day I was reading 'Infidel' by Ayan Hirsi Ali...She dared to do just that. It is real,moving,strong and unnerving at times but the courage she has shown to swim against the tide is more than applaudable. Her determination to reach her goal in adverse situations, which most of us cannot even think in our remotest dream, is real inspiring. It's not because she dared to speak against the derogatory laws of Islam, which are often used against Muslim women makes her impressive,its her courage to speak the truths publicly and demanding solutions for the same was awe inspiring. Hats off to her....not only women but every person should take lessons from her courage to stand for the truth.

The determination and the courage simply oozes out from the photo on the cover page...I was so impressed I tried an acrylic on canvas of it.

Jungle trail,Ranthambhore

The dry Dhonk forest of Ranthambhore didn't inspire me at a go. It was the morning after when the rain soaked forest with dry but clean leaves with hues of yellow and maroon mesmerised me. It looked like the dream forest of Narnia and I made up my mind about this water color. I took a photograph for my future reference and added some imagination to it. I dare not be perfect as God in building a dream like jungle trail but it fetched a long list of nostalgic comments amongst my friend.

Solace

Nothing is as calm and peaceful as Lord Buddha's meditating face. It has a serene effect in wichever way its seen. For me looking into the face of a buddha idol is a complete stress reliever. Thais one done in water color is a replica of a tiny Buddha idol my son picked up when we went vising Ajanta caves. The blue tinge is my imagination and so is the color.

Infinity

This one came in my mind when I was going through a low phase and it acted as a perfect vent for my thoughts...which went into infinity...love this one for its subtle colors.

Nature as I see it

I am a color lover who loves all the colors available in nature.........black and white hardly appeals to me. Colors come together to form different shapes and objects which I simply try to create a maeningful canvas.