Kathak: Stories in Motion

This watercolour and ink painting on Bristol board is inspired by a video on Kathak dancer and assistant professor of ethnomusicology Ameera Nimjee at the University of Puget Sound. After watching the video, I felt compelled to  paint and explore the symphonic and fluid beauty of Kathak dancing. 

Kathak is an ancient dance form from India. Like many Indian dance forms Kathak uses the hands, eyes and face to tell stories in mime. The bells around the ankles highlight  the sound of the feet drumming the floor. 

Art, performing arts and music when done from the soul, draws out a spiritual experience in both the performers and the audience. 

Below are concept sketches that got me going:

Wolf painting progression, thinking and the creative process

I always been fascinated with nature and wildlife as you can see from my photography. In 2009 I picked up a paintbrush and was obsessed with the deep and spiritual mystic of wolves. 

This post is about the my study and progression of the wolf painting you see. 

I learned every thing I could about wolves, studied various artists such as wildlife artist Robert Bateman.

Art is a very meditative and therapeutic activity, especially when you get lost in the zone. This 4’ x 2’ acrylic painting hangs over my fireplace today

Happiness

Simple things make us happy. Thats all.

Brush ink for variety on the lines and watercolour on rough watercolour paper. Exploring style and medium to convey simplicity and softness. 

Leaves from Nature - A Study

Observing Nature is a slow and a meditative process. Appreciating and protecting Nature is part of this journey. Plants and leaves from a forest by a creek in Coastal British Columbia, Canada. Can you tell the real leaves from the art? Click on the image above to see it larger, you will see the scotch tape on the real leaves.

Scientists like Charles Darwin made detailed drawings and painting of plants and animals, taking time to observe and reflect on variations in Nature.