A Ship ( Geared cargo vessel ) at port - A watercolor painting

 “Watercolor and it’s application have become a moving force, directing and enriching my life.” Theresa R Einhorn

In the year 2019, I was at New Mangalore Port with my husband who is a marine officer. Our ship was berthed opposite to the the scene that I am posting today. From the porthole of our cabin, I watched the loading taking place on the geared bulk carrier on the opposite berth. I painted this experience on Chitrapat handmade paper ( one of my favourite papers for Watercolor painting ).*

Since it was a morning scene, I kept the sky a little warm at the horizon using raw sienna colour. For the ocean I used a mix of ultramarine blue and cerulean blue ( Camlin Artist watercolor tubes ). The ship anatomy is pretty complicated and it’s not possible to get all intricate details, however I tried to get in the cranes, the accommodation and the cranes. Painting a personal experience is always such a pleasure.

Apart from Camel, I have also used Winsor and Newton Cotman paints .

Arrived at port

A watercolor painting on Chitrapat handmade paper

Size 7” X 10”

A cargo vessel at berth.

Photograph taken at

New Mangalore Port

If you want to read more about the reasons I prefer using Chitrapat handmade paper for my Watercolor paintings, CLICK HERE. 

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Figurative study works on Chitrapat handmade paper

 “There are no half measures when it comes to Watercolor. Watercolor demands constant devotion.” Pierre Tougas

Have you ever tried painting small figures on paper ?

Some months ago, I decided to create figurative works on small cutout’s of Chitrapat handmade paper. I basically did it to get a better understanding of human anatomy. Moreover since I am a landscape artist I find it tricky to add tiny figures in a 5” X 7” artwork. So the idea was to develop a technique to create the right strokes to get the figures looking realistic on paper. To a great extent, it helped and I was happy.

The paints I used were

1. Camlin Artist watercolor tubes

2. Winsor and Newton Cotman paints

The brushes I used were

1. Van Gogh foldable brush ( It comes with Van Gogh paint set )

2. Escoda Perla round brush

3. Winsor and Newton rigger brush

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Step by step soft pastel painting - Road to Spiti

 “The important thing is to create. Nothing else matters; Creation is all.” Pablo Picasso

The Spiti holidays ( Himachal Pradesh ) happened in 2013. But the memories are so fresh. By painting a landscape scene from my travel journey, I make it all the more memorable. The winding roads, high up in the mountains, carved out by cutting through the mountains, so people like us can enjoy the beauty of the unseen wonders of this part of the world. So grateful to all those who worked so hard and made it happen.

We were so overwhelmed by the landscape around the roads, that we took frequent breaks to soak in the lovely atmosphere and of course to capture few photographs for reference ( For my future artworks). I still haven’t painted them all. Each one being very close to my heart. 

Road to Spiti

A soft pastel painting on Canson Mi Teintes paper

Size 5” X 7”

Step 1. I lightly draw the outline using a white pastel pencil on a medium toned Canson Mi Teintes paper

             ( Used Twilight shade here ). Using  Mungyo and Kohinoor Toison Dor soft pastels, I then use 

            Very light touch to fill in the respective colours keeping in mind the tonal values and perspective.      

Step 2. Once I have covered the entire surface of the paper with the respective colours as per my 

             interpretation ( The photo captures all the colours. Whereas in reality the distant objects are

             dull in colour and do not have any details or sharp outlines ). I lightly blend at places using

             my finger.

Step 3. In the final layer I add more colours to create depth. I also use pencils at this stage to put in 

            details at several places as required. That about completes the painting. I normally do not use any 

            fixative as I personally feel that it dulls the colours. I use a butter paper on top and staple it at

            one end and then keep it in the folder until framed.

My art studio

With my collection of soft pastels

And pastel pencils

Kohinoor Toison Dor 

120 soft pastels ( Foldable box )

Purchased from Art Lounge

Sennelier extra soft

120 half stick 

Paris Collection 

Follow my latest works and techniques on INSTAGRAM and if you love my works and they inspire you, share them with your friends. Thanks for taking out time and browsing through my blog 🙏