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.

On the Cover of Key2Arts' Recent Newsletter

I am glad to share the Key2Arts newsletter that has featured one of my paintings on their cover.

In each newsletter, they choose and promote one artist by putting his/her art as the cover and adding links to the artist's profile and artwork page.

I would like to thank Kathy, for choosing this image for the 77th issue.

As many of you know, it is one of my beloved paintings. It's now proudly hanging in a lovely home in Bay Area.

You are Invited: New Shows in January

Hello!

I am happy to invite you to two of the art shows that I am participating in.

One is group exhibit Gertrude Stein: Shorn where I am showing a portrait and the other one is solo show, Expressions. By pure coincidence, both shows are opening on the same day, January 3 and thus, I will have to miss the reception on one. But you can attend both and enjoy the works of art. 

"All Mine"
12 x 16
Oil
2016 - Year of the Monkey

Artwork from the show Expressions

I will be happy to see you at the show. In the meantime, stay warm and enjoy your holidays. Wish you a very happy year of the monkey!

My best,
Bhavna

Art, Show, and Long Nights

December is already halfway past and before you know, it would be time to welcome the new year! I like this rush, the urgency, and the festivities this time of the year brings.
The days are short, evenings are early, and the nights are looong. This means more time indoors - more time with family.

In terms of creativity the process takes the different spin. It starts to align to the slower pace of artmaking. I like this nature driven healthy and wholesome intervention for the creatives. In response to season's suggestion, I transition from demanding painting to humble aspect of artmaking, that is, drawing. So, in this time, painting seems to become somewhat infrequent and drawing dominates most genres of my art-work. Which in turn, helps me revisit the fundamentals and prepare better for the later. The drawing and coloring that I can do cuddled up in the couch or bed has its own rhythm. Its like nature telling you to slow down, analyze what you have, and enjoy the basics. And I listen.

This December is no exception. The group show rushed us artists to bring out our best works to show and once it is over, we can happily step back and enjoy the season.

Today, I look forward to meeting friends, old and new during the reception of my solo. Without their support, things hardly make any sense.

I also like to take the moment to show my gratitude towards the gallery showing my work. I am very thankful to the people who made it happen for me. They showed trust in a dreamy newbie - it is a huge step towards encouraging and supporting art and the artist. And in return, this artist assures to keep doing her best!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Learn to Paint, Paint to Learn

 

  Majestic - Recent Artwork
SOLD

 When it comes to paint, I have always something to work on. Mostly because I finish with a start.

Let me explain. I usually have a subject chosen to paint. Mostly faces. Sometimes one person other times, many. Its either a study or complete drawing. In any case, I have more than one artwork to work on. Although only one gets on the easel but in planning, there is always more than one.

Majestic in a Room

As soon as I reach close to the end, I know exactly which one is next. And when I sign the work, which usually happens around the time the piece ends, I start off the new one. And that's when I clean up the area and call it a day.

Majestic 2

This is a tip I picked from some book and I have to say, it is a wonderful one! Give it a try if you ever find yourself facing a creative speed-bump or painter's block, I am sure, it will help you.

 

Majestic 2 

11 x 14

Acrylic on Paper

Available (Click below to purchase)

 

Project Nature: Update

Nature Project


As you know, for the research of the Nature project I have been doing most of the following:

• Visiting the parks, farms, and zoos.
• Plein- air studies - rough sketches and drawings
• Taking photographs of the flowers, fauna, hills, animals - everything around us.
• Saving pictures from the 'net and securing permission from the photographers.

I am happy to post that my recent trips resulted in some creative ideas and fun sub-projects. I got to learn some amazing facts about the wildlife and get a curious insight into the lives of domestic animals.

About Myself

Growing up in a hilly and untouristy part of  Himalayas sowed the seeds of  affection for wildlife and especially animals. Hours long walks through the forest followed by the climbing up the hill just to reach the school, seemed like a daily picnic that could beat any of those modern day hikings.

I never realized those unsupervised hide-and-seek sessions in the forests would lead to a life of  independence, curiosity, and decision making.

Just going with the flow was the  only way of life. And that encouraged us to lead simple lives, enjoy even simpler things in life, and securing many years of great health and tension-free lifestyle that we have now come to recognize and appreciate.

Later in life, this spontaneity transformed into greater respect for the nature as I grew up. The fascination that once educated and entertained, later, turned into focus of reverence.


About Nature Series

As life coaches you to choose better as you get older, this decision to bring the nature into the center stage of the creative process, seemed justified.

But as I explore, I am further humbled by her magnificence. Its huge. Its beautiful, Its generous. Its everywhere. Its overwhelming generosity presents many questions including the most important one:

Where to begin from?

Let me start with the sense of gratitude. I am thankful for everything Mother Nature has gifted us with. This abundance should be our cue. Take only as much as you can return back with interest. And then go with it.

More on it as it comes...