Of People and Places

 My aunt in Illinois showed me her lovely backyard on a video call. It was a sunny morning with her neighborhood gearing up for Halloween with all sorts of curious  (and frightening) knickknacks, A yard full of skeletons, dead bodies, inflatable creatures from the dark, axes and spiderwebs hanging like festoons on the porches and windows. To defy this macabre world, nature has donned a beautiful mantle - the ground is colored bright orange, red and yellow from the carpet of leaves that the trees are shedding. It is autumn, or fall as they call it - and my aunt's morning walk crosses all kinds of beautiful trees-Maple trees, Oak trees, Cherry trees, A beautiful bright red bush called the 'Burning Bush'. It was such a delight to see different shades of green, yellows and reds that I couldn't resist taking out my watercolors. Thank you pachchi (aunt in Konkani) for sharing your beautiful world with me. ( I am sending you moral support for the tiring clean up in your yard a...

Painting trees is one of my most favorite things to do. I love foliage and can never get tired of painting or sketching their different hues. I have improved a bit on my technique, all thanks to Sadhu Aliyur sir and practice. Apart from the technique, I think what I learnt the most from Sadhu sir is his passion for work and his immense patience. He has a very unassuming, nonchalant air when painting - If the artwork is ruined, it is ruined ( and it is really ruined in watercolor!All those wasted sheets!) - now move on to the next sheet of paper and try it again. In the midst of all that practice and those failed attempts, once in a while you get something you're happy with. An effect that is brilliant maybe or light and shade that is captured correctly in your sketchbook.  And this 'once in a while', is enough to sustain an interest and make you want to paint more. I think Sadhu sir will paint at any time of the day ( or night) - all he would need is some paper, brush...