Looking Pensive

This is the first time I am painting an Indian lady in native dress. I used an old black and white photograph as a reference but the finished portrait looks nothing like the lady in the reference picture. I am glad that I get to exercise a lot of artistic license with this  painting. I hope to do more of similar paintings.

Looking Pensive
Watercolor and graphite on 9 x 12 inches 140# watercolor paper

Portrait # 33

Mackerels for Lunch – Completed

Finally, I tackled and completed painting the Mackerels for Lunch. I think the graphite underdrawing has helped me in the final finish to a certain extent. I reserve my decision if I will try this technique again. I am still undecided. Here the mackerels are placed in a clay pot. The mackerels are descaled, gutted, cleaned and cut into steak-like pieces. The clay pot is also used to cook the fish. These earthenware dishes are fragile and must be handled with care since they are easily broken. We can make the yummiest fish curries in a well-seasoned clay pot.