"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.

"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

Figurative Portrait of a Woman Playing Violin

I had recently posted about how light alone can be utilized to paint a believable skin color. Making use of the full-palette its possible to achieve depth and energy in a portrait. It results in a realistic likeness and imparts a contemporary casualness to the painting. Because of this busy feel, there is no real need for the well-defined background, as opposed to classic portraiture.

Here is one where the skin tones are closely monitored and have been well merged for a smooth life-like transitioning.

"Sameera"

Oil

20 x 24 approx. (Framed)

The aesthetically pleasing pose of the sitter complements perfectly with the color play in the background. 

Here is something interesting. The bow (stick used to play the violin) brings the unnecessary attention to it, In fact, it visually slices the entire composition in two. To soften the experience, I painted the background in such a way that eye can travel from the the model to the background and back. By painting the foreground  in smooth abstract strokes, the center of attention is further reinforced.

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!

Portrait Series II on Display

Remember the Call?

I am happy to post that the Portrait Series,  Portrait Series II finished last year and is now on display.  You might remember that I sent out a call for the models which read :

For this project you are invited to participate as a model.
Anyone in  the range of 14 - 50 can take part.
The portraits will be painted from your photos that I will take. So, you don't have to sit for the paintings.
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.

I posted this on my blog and later on a facebook group and linkedin. From the responses I shortlisted a few people. Contacted them and invited them for the photoshoot. 


The Process

This part is most time consuming yet really awesome! Thrill to know someone whom you'd paint is very motivating . The idea of painting as a means of capturing the whole personality is the essence of portraiture art.

Then followed the photoshoot, painting,  getting the work display ready, Inviting the sitter to view, viewing-by-sitter, and finally, the display in the exhibition.

The selected portraits are accepted and are on display in show titled Expressions. 


And Here We Are

Given how unpredictable things can be, I am delighted that everything went as expected and beyond! 

I want to thank the sitters for their gift of time - they allowed me to paint their faces for my art enrichment experience. Its not just  commitment, its an act of kindness and support and I am extremely thankful for that. Along the way, I made friends, renewed friendships, and learned so much.

I invite everyone to Mission Coffee, 151 Washington Blvd., to see this display. Its on till Jan 31. I will be there on Sunday, Jan 10 from 3 to 5, so drop by!

(This is one of the selected portraits on display. Sitter is Rupali.)

 "Dreamer"

Oil on Stretched Canvas

16 x 20

What Lies Ahead

One ending is the beginning of something new. I continue to paint faces. 

If you'd like to join me in this journey, you are very welcome. Just email me or call me, I will take it from there. And above all, keep sending your best wishes, we all need it. 

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

The Joy of First Time : Pen Portraiture

I have always imagined drawing with pen quite hard. Due to multiple reasons, which I would list below, I didn't try to render much in pen.

1. Fear - pen won't erase, so if you make mistake, it can't be corrected and you'll have to work all over again.
I cannot tell you how deep-rooted this fear was! We all learn to write in pencil and gradually move onto the ink. Assuming as we grow, we learn how to write without making mistakes or learning to correct the correct way.
But for the art, most of us don't take the risk of making mistakes. I heard from many experienced artists how they do the first draft in pencil and then switch to pen. Serves some of us well.


2. Myths - pen art is not art. Can you believe that! Some still contest the real art is what painted upon and not just drawn. Well, to me, anything created with sincerity is okay to share with others. Let the debate go on, you focus on wherever your creativity takes you.

3. Lack of value range - this was something that kept me off for so long. What a myth! You and only you can keep yourself from giving the depth to the artwork. There are different techniques but sure a full range of shades.

But it just happened. Because its a milestone for me, I will share my story. Before hitting the bed, I had to choose the best reference picture of the model. One looked more promising than the other but second one has a striking unavoidable appeal. So, I decided to do underdrawing of both. Sleep can wait. This idea cannot! whichever looks better will turn into a final painting.

I had my supplies lying around and I decided to draw the rough sketches before going to bed. Shortly, first drawing was ready and I started the second one. By the time I finished, I realized, I was using pen, inadvertently. Oh woah, I don't use pen, I told myself. But I did and it was a big deal for me because the result was astonishing!  The output was darker, clearer, and bore striking likeness in much fewer marks as opposed to the charcoal, the usual medium for this purpose. Oh my, I had pleasantly surprised myself.

What can I say. This has made me a very happy person. In the days that followed, I am not able to put the pen down. One more, just one more!

My hands are tired, my wrists hurt, but the sketching is very enjoyable. You should try it! Here are some detailed pics of what I made as a full portrait out of this new love.

 Look, Ma!

9 x 12

Pen on paper

Details of above

I am not sure what's making me more happy - breaking the myth, seeing the light or is it pure joy of learning something new.

Either way, I am happy to share it with others. Tired muscles behold! You have a lot to do. :-)

Portraits, Techniques, Likeness, and Life

Oct 1 - Oct 7: Day 49th of Friends Series

I have been drawing, painting, reading, and writing lately. As mentioned earlier, I met many new people during art show. And I cannot describe how helpful other artist have been. They gladly shared what they know and later sent more as promised. I cannot thank them enough for their help.


Portraiture

This is  a bonding process where a person tries to create his own version of how one sees. Its art and it also is science. Its 2 D in technicality and heavily 3 D for the artist. Or 4 D if you add the artist's perception to it. Artist tries to capture the essence of the model over the period of time.

Technique

There are as many techniques as there are portraitist. No single one is right or better. Some find realism to be the most disciplined form which may be true in a sense that if that's your goal in the first place. But over time, you learn to immerse in the process, and start to enjoy the process so much and so, that you hardly bother if that highly acclaimed belief of realism is only a way of seeing things.  The artistic license lets you enjoy the journey and the destination. Choose what suits you!  This is what I did for one of the works.

Likeness in Portraits

People find portraiture as hard because they think getting the likeness is not easy. Its true. Its not easy to get the likeness if you don't practice enough. There is a lot of relativity among different angles and shapes and the process requires a lot of swinging back-and-forth while creating a face.

When I do it with pause, there seems to be a harmony in the process. The focus is not on one part but the face as a whole. With this in mind, things just seem to be right. And when its right, you stop and gauge the balance. After a while, the process starts to balance itself.

Bonding Experience

I usually know when to stop. The work starts to speak for itself. It becomes a whole with its own identity and charm. At that point, artist need to take a step back and let the work enjoy its own identity. The bond between the subject and the artist moves on to next level. And that is a marvelous experience. Its too complex to explain in words.

First Juried Show

Sep 30: Day 44


With this day the month of September comes to a close. In October, we hope to see diversity experiment and the results thereafter. Here are some pics from the weekend :

The show was well attended

The work of artists were unique

 

 

The acknowledgement

 

The food

Call for Models for Series Friends is now closed

Hello,

I would like to thank you all for showing support and participating in the series Friends. The call is now closed.

 Niles Park

If you wanted to participate but could not, please feel free to contact me. I will surely be able to use the help for the future projects.

In the meantime, its all on me. Thank you again and I look forward to the progress!

-Bhavna

Sep 29 (Plus week of 22 - 26): Day 43rd today

Status Update

I have some progress during this week. Its about time I had some pics of the work available here. But I think, it is better to hold off for now.

If you are one of the models, please feel free to mail me for the pictures. I will be happy to send you yours WIP picture log.

To do

As I look at the numbers, I feel this project has slowed down quite a bit. The reasons are many but I have to focus on what's been accomplished. So, here are some guidelines for self:

• By the end of the week, have one piece ready from start to finish.
• Organize the to-do list datewise.
• Mail out the drafts.
• Update FB group on closing of call

Other Stuff

Last week, I had the opportunity to met with many artists during an exhibition reception. Some were new but most were quite experienced. They work in different media.

Its amazing to encounter so many creative people who use interesting ways to express themrselves. We shared lots of ideas and I was offered some great pieces of advice.

As I get back to the regular workday, I think about the event and the inspiring crowd.

Sep 18 - 19 : Day 37 Today

There are some changes underway. I have to get back to the drawing board (literally!) to make the changes in the series.

This means a slight delay as far as the weekly progress is concerned but Its within the scheduled deadline.

I have sent the new set of pics for printing and I await the pickup.

Sep 15 -17 : Day 35 Today

I am happy to report that I have only a few of the under sketches to do this week. If everything goes by the book. I should have 2 more finished pieces ready to show.

I have to admit, I am not quite regular on posting pictures. Its seems like a commitment to transfer the pics from cam to com! Its comforting to know that its all there and will be posted and thus gets ignored in the light of work-at-hand and creating art.

Last week was special for I participated in a well attended artists' reception to the HTLT exhibition that opened last week. Loved to meet so many established artists at one place. Attending it with family was a dream come true. I would like to thank all my friends who support me and came down to the gallery.

If you are planning to go, please make sure to check the main hall of the gallery where my work is on display until Oct 11.

Sep 8 - 12 : Day 30 Reached

This week was super special in terms of personal and familial milestones. So, it was no wonder that the blog was somewhat sidelined. But there was a lot of activity in the studio-space.

This is what was done:

• Underpaintings for the selected pictures. 
• Some passed others didn't.

I am happy that the work is paying off. It takes time to weigh in all the options by making a sketch out of the selected headshots and then selecting the one that looks better, but its rewarding to give each option a try and then making a final cut. What I mean is the order of steps as follows:

1. I select  5 - 7 headshots out of 25 - 40 model shots.
2. Try to thin it down to final 3 - 4
3. Draw a charcoal study sketch for all 3 or 4
4. Pick 1 out of the last bunch
5. Paint the selected study
6. If its not what I planned, back to step 1

Its tedious but worthy of efforts.

Sep 3 - 5 : Day 25 to 27

I could finish what I planned and more.

I finished the underpainting and later retouched it.
Its not what I had in mind, so I ma going to change it one more time.

Or, pick a different ref photo. I took some pics of the work but when I am too occupied, taking pictures is simply forgotten.

Also, there is good news to share. Remember, I mentioned a deadline earlier. That resulted in an acceptance. I would look forward to see the exhibited piece in the gallery.

In this past week, I met some amazing people. Talented, smart, kind and helpful. Its nice to learn something new from others.

Day 14 - 18 (Aug 18 - 22): Weblog Update

This past week, there was a deadline to meet. This just made me slow down on my series Friends. Which, in fact, is a good thing, given it gave me a chance to do the squint eye test on the project as a whole. After a full week of planning, preparing, working and executing Friends , this welcome distraction came as a pressure valve. 

Looking back, I can say, it has helped me get back to work rather fondly.

Before calling it a week, I had, finally, finished  model 1 for the series.  Airbrushed and ready to frame!  Details of the portrait process can be found here. I would look forward to some good references for the framers at this point. I keep looking...

As a side note, I have been reading Picasso lately.

It made me quite amazed by the depth and breadth of the work by this genius. I also feel there has been many places where he's routinely quoted out of context. He had deservedly earned the respect and legendary fame.

Another book on the reading list is, Ajanta Caves. It is a a beautiful reference book for anyone interested in enjoying the historical arts. 

Pastel Portrait Process

Here is the finished portrait that got completed last week.

18 x 24.5

Soft pastels on paper

I have compiled the process in a video. Not sure if that works here but let me try. Please see if this link works for you:

Here is direct youtube link, just in case.

Day 11 - 13 (Aug 13 - 15): Portraits Taking Shape

Let me begin with a huge thanks to the models without whom this series would be impossible. Thank you for taking time to be a part of it.

Because of you, in the past couple of days:

• I had gotten four portraits started
• Prepped and primed a board
• Completed a charcoal/ pencil prep study
• One study of a model who offered to hold the pose for almost 30 mins

You all are super special to me!

For those who haven't had the photoshoot yet, please bear with me. You are in the list and we will schedule as discussed. If you signed up but didn't hear from me, please send me a pm.

There will be no photoshoots in the coming week but I will keep updating here and on FB page.

Will get back on Monday. Till then!

Day 9 (Aug 11): Pastel Portrait

Usually I don't draw before I paint. I start of with the paints and refine later. But this time I tried to do differently.

Sketch with charcoal. Some basic shapes and comparative placements.

After painting, this is what the face looks like.

Added hair. No background is developed nor the clothing. Again, this is something I usually don't do. I develop the entire area as a whole. Just not this time.

An exercise to get the right colortone with pastels.

The messy workarea,  appeals a lot. A reminiscent of the productive day!

Day 4 to 8 (Aug 4 - 8): Summary of the last week

As the weekend approaches, it seems somewhat 

The week has passed and there are signs of progress. Its admittedly slow but acceptable.

Reading, photoshoots, painting, no-shows, research, and some unplanned stuff - the week was thoroughly packed and productive.

For the next week:

1. There will be one full and final portrait ready
2. Frame it
3. Finish the last chapter of the book that I am reading
4. Fill those pending forms
5. Order that golden paint, I had been meaning since forever

More next week.

Happy weekend!