Artwork for Week # 8 - "Golden Celebration Roses", Small Oil Painting

Golden Celebration

Oil

6 x 6 x 1 in

2017

Large, deeply cupped Golden Celebration variety of rose flowers are approximately 3" across. The color is quite unusually deep and rich golden-yellow and exceptionally fragrant. These magnificent flowers (petals 55-75) are held on a very good repeat blooming shrub of ideal rounded habit of growth.

The brush strokes are thick and loaded with vibrant oil paint. 

Details

 

Artwork for Week # 7 - "Red Tomatoes", Small Oil Painting

Sweet Tomatoes

Oil

6 x 6 x 1 in

2017

Artwork for Week # 6 - "Sweet Nectarines", Small Oil Painting

Sweet Nectarines

Oil

6 x 6 x 1 in

2017

Available

Another rainy, grey week. Nectarines at hand. The choice was clear. 

 

I also noticed that the finished painting can be displayed from either side. :-)

Artwork for Week # 5 - "Fresh from Farmer's Market", Small Oil Painting

Fresh from Farmer's Market

Oil

6 x 6 x 1 in

2017

Available

It was painted as part of the from life weekly series. I was hoping for the sunlight but the week was dedicated to the storm and it rained all days long.

So I decided to utilize the diffused light and painted strawberries without composing them in any particular order.

Artwork for Week # 4 - "Stronger Together II", Small Oil Painting

Stronger Together

Oil

11 x 7 approx

2017

It was painted as part of the from life weekly series. I had this prop around my studio and it was very interesting how it responds to sublight.

Portraits of National Parks - # 6 Grand Canyon National Park, Wy

Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona, is home to much of the Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. Viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station and architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio and her Desert View Watchtower. Lipan Point, with wide views of the canyon and Colorado River, is a popular, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Here is my humble attempt to paint something immensely grand.

This painting is impressionistic landscape artwork similar to other ones in the series. I choose orange yellow sunlight as my guiding tool for the relative positioning of the mountain planes and the shadowed areas caused by them. The colors are dramatized as seen, not as are.

This artwork and similar pieces are available in small, medium (up to 24″), and larger sizes.  The painting is unframed.

I am excited to share that it is also available in high quality canvas wrap with sides in black. For larger sizes’ prices and customized artwork, feel free to contact me at bhavna.misra@gmail.com.

The price range is based on the painted sq inch area. Being an independent artist, I am open for the reasonable offers. But if you like this one, I can assure you, you will love it manyfolds when you see it in person.

Upcoming Series : Portraits of National Parks

Art has given wings to my imagination and opened up the windows of limitless possibilities! Without art and creative outlet, I had never known the beauty and intrigue a simple piece of nature can hold. I feel very fortunate to have a life surrounded by the natural beauty and a gift to be able to express it into my way of interpretation.

 Color Study for the Upcoming Series - Portraits of National Parks

As I move along my new series here is the tentative plan. I would choose some of the national parks and a few other landscapes that I admire. There is no particular order but some of the shortlisted landscapes will include:

1. Big Horn Mountain, Wy
2. Glacier National Park, Mt
3. Big Sur, Ca
4. Echo National Park, Ut
5. Joshua Tree National Park, Ca
6. Grand Teton National Park, Wy
7. Denali National Park, Ak
8. Yosemite National Park, Ca
9. Grand Canyon National Park, Az
10. Acadia National Park, Me

Portraits of National Parks - #1 Bighorn Mountains, Wy

 The Summer has an elixiric effect on the creatives. Bleaching sun, longer days, and overload of inspiration - makes a perfect recipe to get outdoors and paint. This summer is especially generous and I could devote myself to some of the most beautiful national parks.

Growing up in the mountainous region, I have special bond and affinity for the beauty of grandeur and enormity that mountains offer us.

"Bighorn Mountains" - Portrait of National Park #1

Oil

12 x 16 unframed

2016 

This is a landscape of Bighorn Mountain range in northern Wyoming and southern Montana, forming a northwest-trending spur from the Rocky Mountains extending approximately 200 miles northward on the Great Plains.

Conveniently located halfway between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorns are a great vacation destination in themselves. No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape - from lush grasslands to alpine meadows, from crystal-clear lakes to glacially-carved valleys, from rolling hills to sheer mountain walls.

 Lush brushstrokes of cad yellow, cerulean blue and a mix of violets

Purple, pinks, and sienna in different proportions

Crimson, Rose accented on sienna and lemon yellow

I took artistic liberty to paint the scene with the colors that I saw, not the ones that were there. Painting nature made the heart sing, go wild, and be one with the nature. 

Oscar Inspired Portrait of a Baby Chimpanzee

Oil

24 x 24 approx

2016

"Proud as a Peacock"

 Any art portfolio seems incomplete without the painting of a peacock. So, here is my humble attempt to paint one.

 "Proud as a Peacock"

Oil

2016

The title of the artwork has been inspired by the following story -

In 1956, John J. Graham created an abstraction of an 11-feathered peacock logo for American broadcaster NBC. This brightly hued peacock was adopted due to the increase in color programming. NBC's first color broadcasts showed a still frame of the colorful peacock. The emblem made its first on-air appearance in 1956. NBC later adopted the slogan "We're proud as a peacock!" The current version of the logo debuted in 1986 and has six feather colors (yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green).  

Fearless Peacock in Ardenwood Farm

There are two Asiatic bird species Indian and African peafowl. Among the Asiatic species, his extravagant eye-spotted tail covert feathers which he displays as part of a courtship ritual. The term peacock is properly reserved for the male; the female is known as a peahen, and the immature offspring are called peachicks.

As with many birds, vibrant iridescent plumage colors are not primarily pigments, but structural coloration.

 
Indian peacock has iridescent coloration and large "train" of feathers that according to Darwin served to attract females, and the showy features of the males had evolved by the preferential selection.

In many cultures, peacock is often associated with wealth, good luck, and marital bliss.

Catholics adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent resurrection, renewal and immortality. This came from the ancient legend that the flesh of the peacock did not decay. In Hindu culture, the peacock is the vehicle of Lord Kartikeya, the god of war. Peacock feathers symbolize the fine taste, beauty, and perfection.




Kartikeya as painted by iconic painter Raja Ravi Varma

It is thus common to decorate with the imagery of peacock and/or peacock feathers. For more pictures and progress log on this artwork is wip. I hope to share it soon.

Staying Fluid

My work is on display at my studio, my site, shows, and through online outlets. Making my artwork available for everyone to view, is the process of sustaining and creating better art, an enjoyable and meaningful one.

Morning Fog

Oil

20" square

2016

Its been very hard to part with my work, but slowly, I have started to learn to respect letting go. Once an artwork is ready, it develops a life and personality of its own.  The artist needs to step back and allow it to chalk out its own journey from this point on.

Pink Floral

10 x 14 Approx

Oil on Board

2016

The artwork is then priced and put on a display.  The exhibit is an indicator that the artwork is now ready to be taken. I invite the viewers to choose the price they are most comfortable with and oftentimes, let them pick the best offer they can make. All they have to do is, contact me. I also offer the prints on canvas and similar work in different sizes or make a custom piece on commission.

Wild Flowers Summer Garden IV

10 x 14 Approx

Oil on Board

2016

Its a win win for all of us. To see a painting go to a happy home is a very gratifying part of the day. Sometimes, people send me back the picture of the displayed art that they had purchased. It makes my heart sing! 

Life seems meaningful and so does my role in it. It helps me create with more enthusiasm, more love, and more of everything nice!

Kitty Bouquet

Oil

2016

 

From every painting, I learn something new - it invariably gives me a sense of growth. This happy vibe keeps me moving, and I am very grateful for everyone who becomes part of this creative and meaningful journey. 

"Let it flow..."

"Being Yourself" : Call for Models

                                                     Reference Photo               Painted Portrait

Who can be a model

For this project you are all invited to participate as a model.
Anyone older than 14 can take part. 
It is not a life painting. The portraits will be painted using reference photos.

Reference Photos

You may supply your own photos or I can take your photos.

The photoshoot would be 20 to 40 minutes long, followed by a get-to-know session. It would include a small introduction and discussion about details of the process. We will discuss your likes, dislikes, favorite color, and stuff like that. A mini interview, if you like.
Based on this session, I will paint your portrait.


This project will begin in Summer and end in Fall. For specific dates,  I will hand out more information and other details as a followup and would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.


Project Info:

This series Being Yourself  will be created for an exhibition.

It will be a collection of portrait paintings created around a theme - Being Yourself.
What does it mean to you. Do you like being yourself or given an option, would you change something in you? Are you happy with your choices in life?

In essence, what makes you - you.

The portraits will be painted from photographs selected from the ones that I would take. Model can bring  the pictures of their liking. If you are not available for the picture shoots but would like to participate, we can set up a phone call where we can discuss how you may have your own pictures taken and sent over for the painted portraits.

During photoshoot, I will try to capture the personality as a whole. Likes, dislikes, favorite color, special interests, hobbies, and any other information that you'd like to share. If we have already met, the photoshoot time would be really short.

I am planning to paint over 20 portraits but only 12 will make the final cut for the exhibition.

The painted portraits will be used for the purpose of art enrichment such as exhibition and will be available for sale after that.


Remuneration

Any prints of the portraits will be made available to the model free of cost.
The model can buy their original portrait after it's been exhibited.
It is a volunteering  opportunity for the art project.


For more information:

Leave a comment below, or
comment or PM me at my facebook page or 
mail me at bhavna.misra@gmail.com


Thanks for reading. I hope to hear from you soon!

-Bhavna

Pricing the Art

Art is not just a painted surface; its an expression - a representation of feelings, emotions, and thoughts in response to how the artist sees it. So, when it comes to the painting for the sheer joy of it,  its quite understandable that artist may not even want to share it with anyone. Its their very private moment that is now out there on the surface not meant to be subjected to the judgement or evaluation.
But when you are a professional, who earn their living by making art, you also make it clear that you have prepared yourself to be vulnerable! You not only invite everyone to be a judge, you in fact, ask everyone to be the critique of the work; right from the choice of the subject, color scheme, layout, process, all the way to pricing! 


How Pricing in Done

When I was starting out, I consulted many artists in regards to pricing the art. To my surprise, most suggested that after many years in profession, they still hadn't figured out a cookie-cutter way to correctly price their work. They try to balance different factors to reach to a correct recipe for the right price but it never seems perfect. There are different ways, yet pricing undoubtedly remains a tricky one. Different artists choose different ways to put a price tag on their work.

Many told me that because art is subjective and so, its juxtaposition plays an important role in the process. Meaning, one abstract art might sell for thousands because it was hanging in a high end museum, whereas another beautifully created realistic artpiece may not even cover the price of supplies when sold from the artist's home.

Some suggested going by the square-inch pricing. Its straightforward to calculate - you find the area of the artwork and multiply it by the $ and round it to the next zero. Its simple and easy to explain to the potential buyer.

Others support the pricing by number of hours times $ plus supplies.

After a while, it slowly became obvious that one should follow what suits them the best without having to compromise the quality.


My Take

Knowing, the process of pricing is your own decision. No matter what method you follow, make sure it does not affect the quality of your work. Keep in mind that :

1. The pricing should be fair

Make a price list and keep it where everyone can see it. Mention clearly what all it entails.

2. Be open

If someone is really interested in something, all they have to ask me for a discount. In most cases, I adjust to the reasonable requests and explain what I cannot.  I even have offered my 70+ hours of work for free because they convinced me so with their kindness! On the other hand, I saved a lovely piece from the hands of a disrespectful person. Disrespect towards art in particular.

And here is the most important one - 

3. The creative spark should be white hot

The passion that gets me to the work, day after day is respect for my talent.  Prime reason why I paint is because I love to do it. Why I make it available to purchase, is to create more art and to create better art.


Afterthoughts

My favorite subjects are nature and people - both have shaped my creativity in ways that are beyond words.  It makes me so optimistic to open up to others and keep trying to do better. Please share what your thoughts are. And as always, keep chasing your dreams!

How Long Does it Take to Paint a Portrait for a Show

In the making of Dreamer, my sitter sat for me for about a 30-minute photoshoot. I took almost about 50 or so pictures from various angles.

Camera has a very conspicuous impact on us. It makes us smile at any given moment :-)
Once the lens is pointed at us, we just cannot help but let go whatever expression we're wearing in exchange for this perfect blissful smile. We are trained that way - to present our best two second lens-perfect smile. So, its a skill to let the sitter loosen up to the point where they let you get beyond that practiced smile and capture whats most natural to the sitter. It takes a while, but we eventually get there.

After the photoshoot, I printed out the whole shoot and set out to select one. Once I had that perfect expression I was looking for, I chose it and had it enlarged to read it further. I reviewed my interaction with the sitter in front of this printout. Once that connection is made, I examined few options for the size and composition.

Selected Ref Photo

I selected a 16 x 20 for the portrait and painting started. Along the way, I realized, the background of the work had a great influence of the works of Gwenn Seemel's paintings. So, before moving forward, I emailed Gwenn and asked for her blessings and as expected, she had all the encouraging words about remixing it in my artwork. So, I went ahead and let the brush do its work.

 

 Dreamer  

almost 80% done

I wanted to change the color and texture of the outfit of my sitter. Here is the Maxican peasant top that I admired a lot for its feminine touch with lovely white color and delicate colorful-embroidery. It seemed to be fitting to have it on the sitter who loves this color and have this kind, compassionate demeanor.

White peasant top

Then I adjusted the tone of the overall painting. darkened a few spots, added some light in desired parts and pulled it all together as a whole - the backdrop is becoming part of the person.


At this point, I let the painting sit. And I observe. this period is one of the most important time to ponder over - I start to have the feeling of departure. I know in the next sitting it will be over. The entire journey will come to an end. The end saddens you like any other awesome, productive journey, that you don't want to end and thus unconsciously, I delay this stage.

Once I am ready to let go, I return back to it. At this point, I know what will go where - the painting practically finishes itself.

Palette for the portrait

 Artists are often asked, how long we would take to finish a painting, and I am no exception, "I cannot really say!"  Technically, there is only this much time you need, but in real life, you never know. 

Finished Portrait

Once the paintwork is over, The portrait is allowed to dry completely. Oil paints take longer to dry especially if the weather is not warm. Once dry, I paint the edges with protective paint, mostly acrylic variety. This saves the corner of the stretched canvas, in an event we would like to have it re- stretched or hang without frame. 

Later, I have the work varnished. Its usually a non-yellowing, matt-acrylic coat to protect the oil quality of the paints. 

Finally, its sent to the professional framer who makes sure the presentation is in-line with the basic color-scheme. At this point, the painting is all ready to hang!

Not the greatest pic but here it is!

 Now, you get a glimpse into the process. Its long, tedious, subjective, and unexpected. Would I like to repeat it again? Oh yes, any given day, just ask me! 

Complete Circle of Animals

I am excited and honored to present you the result of my journey of animal portraiture . While researching for this project, I learnt a lot and I hope the viewer will be delighted with the results.

 Circle of Animals

 Collage of zodiac animals in the order

 

About the Artwork

The Chinese zodiac is also called "circle of animals". It is a scheme and systematic plan that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a 12-year mathematical cycle. The term "zodiac" reflects several similarities to the actual calendar of 12 months.

Each year is represented by the names of animals and each is widely associated with a culture of ascribing a person's personality or events in his/her life to the supposed influence of the person's particular relationship to the cycle. Although similar to Western zodiac, it has 12 parts the two have major differences: the Chinese 12-part cycle corresponds to years, rather than months. The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals, whereas some of the signs in the Western zodiac are not animals, despite the implication of the Greek etymology of "zodiac". The animals of the Chinese zodiac are not associated with constellations spanned by the ecliptic plane.

These sign animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Here are the individual oil paintings. Enjoy!

 Little Bunny

  Wild Boar

 Dhole dogs made an entrance in the series as Daisy (as in the collage above) found a happy home.

 Komodo Dragon

 Mother Gorilla with Baby

 Mother Buffalo with the Baby

 Brown Mouse

 Mother Sheep with the Baby

 Cobra

 White Tiger

 Australian Pony

 Rooster

Last Show of 2015

I have no words for those who consistently have been supporting my art. They do it selflessly, lovingly and, just so naturally. It was very touching when they offered the gift of their time to come down to wish me on my show's reception. From the deepest of my heart, I send my gratitude and best wishes their way. You know who you are and I have very cliched, but heartfelt words for you - "Thank you!"

Cellphone Collage of the Show

The show runs till March 2016. If you haven't visited, feel free to stop by when you get a chance. I was told "Now You See It" has an interesting touch. Let me know what you think.

Our photographer could not be there on the day, so we made up by sporadically taking pics from cell phone. Sorry about that. But if you have any from the show, please do share with us.

Happy holidays, everyone!

"Dragonflies - Face the Sun" - Finished and Free to own!

 Dragonflies - Face the Sun

Oil

9 x 12

You receive this painted drawing as a thank you from me when you pledge to become a patron.

Plus, you will receive the other bonus artworks along the way.

If this one is claimed, I will make one just like this or one of your choice.

"Burano in the Evening" / Venice - Finished and Ready to Own

"Burano in the Evening"/ Venice

Oil on Canvas
(Without Frame 16 x 20 Approx)

Burano is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon, located in  northeastern far from Murano and Venice, to which it is connected by the Canale Bisatto - Canale Carbonera.

Today in Burano there are around 3000 inhabitants, while the total number of people living in Venice and its islands is about 60000. This city is considered most  beautiful and colorful in the world.

The city has inspired multitude of artworks and I am no exception. Inspired by Thomas Hills work, I  have tried to capture the city's elegance complete with gondolas and the bridge.


About the Artwork

I have used artist grade oil paints to create this painting. It is sealed with varnish to maintain the luster and off-the-easel look. The edges are painted black in acrylic for the finished output.

The piece is ready to hang with unique shadowbox framing. Additional pictures can be requested before purchase. The painting is currently on display in design center gallery in Bay Area, California.

"Burano in the Evening"/ Venice (Details)

Additional Information

It is mailed with care instructions and certificate of authenticity. Buy at my Saatchi store.

Artwork Available for Sale

I am excited to share some of the artwork that is available to buy. If you are a San Francisco Bay Area resident, there is no shipping fee.

From this Fall, I will be selling through online outlets, so that l can better focus on creating art. I will post the updates as it comes. In the meantime, I will add work here.

So far, I have sold my work only to people I already know. I did not get a chance to have a official website but I am working on creating one. So, I am curious to move onto the next step.

As I begin this new phase of my art-career, I am aware there will be a lot of opportunities to learn from. I will be very happy to share my experiences in hopes to help anyone interested. So keep watching this space.

As always, I will look forward to your support. I am accepting commission work and glad to discuss any art related query.

Click on the the link to the artwork for sale.Thanks for your support.

Roses

Roses

Oil 

12 x 16

Available in two weeks

Roses have been painted using only the palette knife on the surface. The texture of the paint is really thick and thus the painting welcomes the viewers to touch.

My old knife

 The new tool

My palette knife broke last week and I ordered a new one online. The shape and material is quite different than what I had been using, so I decided to put it to some use. The result was this exclusive knife painting.

It was amazing to work with paint this viscous, possible to apply only by this new tool. I am loving it.