Akki ..

Akki, my little nephew, was around 6 months old when this picture (from which I had taken reference) was taken. Having just arrived in India for the first time, he was all curious about his new surroundings then.

He is the most creative, innovative, lively, fun loving and naughty kid ( I can go on with the adjectives) in our family. And yes.. very friendly too... his friend list includes not only his classmates but his brother's classmates , his teachers and all those who were befriended at the park, shopping mall, etc. .. in short a people person.

Needless to say, my fav :-). My sister and brother-in-law are having a gala time raising him... can say..they are learning the nuances of raising a kid all anew...

Akki, Charcoal on A3 sheet

Margaret Thatcher

In remembrance of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, on her Death anniversary..(8th April )...... Popularly known as the 'Iron Lady', she was one of the most powerful woman leaders.

Margaret Thatcher, Charcoal on A3

Through this portrait I was trying to learn the nuances of drawing hair and shading......

Lalbagh Flower show - Jan 2014

Any time is a good time to post the pictures of Lalbagh Flower show.... :-).....

This season, the imitations of Fruits & Veggies, world's largest individual flower and many more attractions caught the attention of the visitors. Kids were seen having fun time near the funny and lovely imitations of fruits and Veggies.

Suvarna Sthambha

The two Garlic imitations posing with an attitude welcomed the visitors...

Fruits and Veggies

BigBunny with vegetable cart

Carnivorous plant, World's largest individual flower

Mushrooms and flower imitations lined up

Lord Ganesha made of Pebbles

Farmer couple posing on either side near the stalls

There was a big group of foreign tourists as well which caught the attention of passers by. The group was seen posing alongside the big white silk cotton tree inside the barricade.

White Silk Cotton Tree

Handicrafts

Kathakali artists

It's the season of 'Chitra Santhe' - "ART FOR ALL"....'Chitra Santhe' is an annual art affair organized by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore, usually on a Sunday, in the month of January . This one-day event features artists from all over the country. The event has something in store for all the visitors. As mentioned in some article, this event turns today's audience to tomorrow's artist. 

The following works are the result of a couple of such inspiring visits to ChitraSanthe: in fact I had the opportunity to display one of these paintings along with few other minor works at a friend's stall during last year's 'ChitraSanthe'.

The theme of the paintings in this post is Kathakali, a classical dance form of Kerala (a visually colorful one :-) ). The make-up in this dance form is exceptional. It usually takes 6 to 8 hours to anoint this make-up. The colors and styles of make-up of the artists inform the audience about the nature of the characters portrayed. 

In this painting, the artist wears 'Kari' (black) make-up, which is used to portray evil character.

Kathakali Artist - Kari - Acrylics on Paper board - 6" x 6.5"

In this painting the artist wears 'Paccha' (Green) make-up, which is used to portray 'Satvik' (good) characters.

Kathakali Artist - Paccha - Oils on Paper board - 9" x 6"

Happy New Year

"Wish You All A very Happy New Year" 

May your days be Sun filled and may all your Dreams be fulfilled 

Here's a small painting done in Acrylics. One of those firsts...

Flower - Acrylics - 6" x 9"

Lalbagh Flower Show 2013

January 2013

This time's flower show enthralled the visitors with the flowers taking the form of Cultural icon of France, The Eiffel tower. Other arrangements included Ooty Garden's theme and a doll with pretty floral gown. The show also included Swami Vivekananda's statue to mark the Great monk's 150th Birth Anniversary.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Close-up

Swami Vivekananda's Statue marking his 150th Birth Anniversary

Ooty Garden

A doll decorated with beautiful floral gown

Pathway to Heaven!!

Glass House lit up

Reflection in the Water fountain in front of the Glass House

The Bandstand near the Glass House is situated in the center of Lalbagh Gardens and is a venue for several concerts.

The Band Stand

August 2013

The beautifully decked up floral fleet was the main attraction of this Independence Day's Flower show at Lalbagh.

Floral fleet

The Vertical Garden was an added attraction. Vertical Garden is a novel concept of Gardening for the space constrained apartment settings.

Vertical Garden

Lalbagh Flower Show 2012

January 2012

This show, being the 100th exhibition event, had more attractions than usual. The attractions included a Buddha stupa and a Flower flow made of Alstromerias and the general theme being Dance forms of India.

Dance forms of India

Topiary

Buddha Stupa

Flower flow made of Alstromerias and decorated with tiger lilies on the sides

Kids lined up for the flower show

The White Silk Cotton tree 

Flower decorated Coracles floating on the Lalbagh lake

August 2012

This time around I almost missed the show. When I was near the entrance, the guards told me that the show got over the previous day. Though a bit disheartened, thought I would at least take a stroll in the garden for a while. When I reached the Glass house I was in for a surprise. They were about to start the process of taking out the arrangements and most of the barriers were gone, but the main attractions were still in tact, though a bit withered.

Dinosaur made of Alstromerias and ducks made of Roses

Tree house and Bear family made of Alstromerias and Roses respectively