When the sea of humanity rises, there is no looking back…
Be it a cry against injustice, a prayer in unison or a plea to end this life.

Rise you O sea - Oil on Paper - 18"x12"

In this darkest hour,
I am filled.

Rise you, O’ sea
Drown me. Drown me.

I am ready for the morning.

“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the Deity to be a source of delight”
John Ruskin

Blended Blues - Oil on Canvas - 12"x24"

Blended blues are a part of every artist’s repertoire. Almost all the artists I have met and seen their works have a blended blues in their collection. And why not? These gradients are so beautiful and easy on the eye that it is hard for most artists refuse to part with thier primary creations. Blue compositions are taught to budding artists to best understand perspective. I never quite understood that until I met a painter, many years back, who showed me his lessons in art. They were blue – in many shades possible and the gradient did give the composition some depth and perspective. Hmmm, I kind of learnt my lesson then.

It may look down right easy to blend in different shades of blues, but the painter alone knows how those shades and hues surfaced on the canvas, amongst the million options to chose from. The color of the skies, seas, sadness, twilight and more, there is no person on Earth who does not like a shade or two – of blue.

“Of all the colours, blue and green have the greatest emotional range. Sad reds and melancholy yellows are difficult to turn up.”
William H Gass

Blended blues was made recently as a respite from the fiery artworks that were coming out more often. A calming sight, as it dried, this painting stood at the same spot for many days. A soothing rectangle to look at when nothing seemed to work.

Again, the photo is not a true representation of the painting as it does not show the actual strokes and colors. The Blues include Prussian, Cerulean hue, Cobalt  and a hint of Turquoise, on a white base. Blended from shallow to deep and from darkness to light, these blues but will always be close to my heart. They now hang on a blue-lover’s wall.

“Colour and I are one. I am a painter.”
Paul Klee

Blended Blues – Untitled
Oil on Canvas Panel – Unframed
12″x24″
SOLD

Have you ever considered a painting as a backdrop for showcasing gemstones? Can paintings play a role in window dressing for jewelry display? I tried.

Lapiz Lazuli on Gemstone Inspired Abstract Art

Here is one of my little squares that has a geologic abstract art inspired by Lapiz Lazuli gemstone. The stone by itself is spectacular in detail and needs no fuss around it to stand out. Gorgeous blue with gold streaks, as designed by nature, never cease to amaze.

This is but another attempt to try tone over tone. Surprise! Surprise! It works. The broad palette knife strokes complement the intense detailing on the gemstone.

Here, one art form (of designing jewellery) complements the other. This painting (along with other gemstone inspired artworks) is currently being used as a backdrop for jewelry display in a lifestyle boutique in Chennai.

There is nothing on earth more giving, forgiving and comforting than trees. Mother, Nourisher, and Keeper – trees are our faith in life, the life we breathe, the life we need, and the love we feel.

Parched in Plenty - Oil on Canvas

Parched in Plenty grew out of its own free will, on my barren landscape – the blank canvas. 

Today, a dead tree was born in a peaceful forest against the balmy sky. A silent silhouette grew midst hurried strokes of verdant green and turquoise blues.

Though the painting was done now, its seed was sown centuries back. The plumule rose in poise to become my parent, friend, and healer. 

Food for my body to refuge to my soul… the tree gave me all that I ever needed. Today, the lone tree stands on the brink of time - tall, stoic and unbowed.

Against the problem of plenty stands this lone tree.
My tree.
The one who held me for eternity.

Is it alone, desolate or merry?
Alive, half dead, or living within?
Who can tell?

Swirl and Waves - Acrylic Paintings

Here is one of my old paintings that got painted by itself. It needed no sketch or planning. It just got built by itself, layer by layer, outline by outline.

Swirls and waves are my favorite themes, which I plan to do more often now. Looking back on this tall painting, I feel happy. There is no technical finesse in here but the way the swirls fill up the canvas… fill up my heart too. I feel a lot of motion in this painting though it stands silent on the bare wall.

I had gifted this to my mother-in-law for Diwali, long time back. This painting went well with the house renovation project she undertook then.

Since the occasion was festive, I had chosen to include a lot off gold into it making it borderline kitsch. Thankfully, it did not seem garish then and blended well with the occasion. Over a period of time, the shine seemed a lot more matte in effect. It now hangs on her ivory cream walls casting a spell of its own.

This painting was done in acrylic media (if I remember it right). Those were the days when I started playing with mediums other than oils. And was happy with the results. But nothing beats my fascination and love for oil colors.

Whenever I see this painting, it pains me that I have not attempted more of these. It is but natural for anyone to paint in whirls, curves and swirls, for it is the natural way of the hand. There is meaning in every swirl, if we seek.

These are the unspoken words and messages from unknown books. And it is now time to do it again. To go with the flow. To rise and fall in love again.