December 12, 2013

Waiting for a ride

Oil on canvas board 9 by 12 inches

This is my impression of the sacred river Cauvery. Cauvery river originates in my home state Karnataka and it is the life line river for our state. I love to visit the temples that are around its banks and make a trip at least once in a year. The boats that are used to ride on the river are called teppa in the local language and is made of bamboo. They are sturdy but light weight, can fit two people comfortably but the boatman wants to make a quick buck and overloads, so the ride is not so comfortable, at least for me! I took a ride in this kind of boat just once so far, but love to watch the rides from the safety of the bank.
Boat rides generally have been great experiences for me.Something extra happens, the thoughts keep changing as if to keep in unison with the movement of water and the wind, the continuous movement sometimes giving a clue about the bigger picture of the journey itself.

26 comments:

  1. Padmaja, this is just so very stunning. A beautiful palette, gorgeous texture, and of course, a wonderful composition. Are those round things the boats? As much as I've loved all your paintings, this is my very favorite. There is a spiritual feel; you've imbued your feelings when on the river and I think I feel the same.

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  2. Hello Padmaja..gorgeous painting, the composition is exquisite..the colors alluring and mystical..I am drawn to the waters!!..and how beautifully written..I so love your introspective thoughts and wisdom you share! Those boats are absolutely enchanting...your paintings always capture something spiritual for me..I love how the eye is drawn to the middle distance of the waters..and it is like pure light reflecting on the surface..just magical! You are a beautifully talented artist..and this piece makes me want to gaze and reflect and meditate....just awesome!
    Hugs
    Victoria

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  3. A beautiful painting, Padmaja! I've never seen this boat before but being so lightweight, I would as well, enjoy it from afar!! LOL
    A very peaceful scene!!

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  4. That's interesting what you said about boat rides. I feel that way too. Each ride is an adventure that opens up my mind in some way. Your painting is gorgeous! I love the colors and the composition, the story it suggests, the questions it poses, the mood it creates. Wow! Padmaja this is truly a special piece.

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  5. Gosh you are doing some fabulous work! This is great.

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  6. Just wonder how you switch from a distant land to your roots doing justice all the way. Fabulous Padmaja.

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  7. I remember going in such a boat in Hoganekal, many years ago, it was fun.
    I like the shape of this cute boat. How I would love to ride in it with my husband and watch the beautiful sunset.
    Lovely painting and very nice idea. I wonder how you come up with such ideas.

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  8. Beautiful light and sense of distance, and the small boats are so cute and interesting, would love to take a ride :-)

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  9. They are called parisals in Tamil nadu and I have crossed the akanda (wide) Cauvery in Trichy district.Though it is fun,it is scary for those who cannot swim.The rier in your picture is calm and still but not so in all places.Very beautifully painted as always bringing childhood memories of my ride

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  10. The way you describe your inspiration it is always so poetic, both your words and your paintings, beautiful.

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  11. Such an enchanting painting!! It looks so real as if the boats will start moving any moment.

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  12. Oh dear padmaja!!!
    This is a wonderful scene with boad rides!!!Never see this before.
    You work is realy super super super lovely and i am happy about your magic hands!!!
    I wish you for Christmas,,,
    The best thing may exist only,,,
    Health, happiness, satisfaction.
    And that - for all eternity!
    And a Happy New Year 2014!
    I see you the next year again
    Love❤❤❤
    Christa

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  13. I can see the seasoned, restrained touch....I would love to possess this one :) - even if a digital copy....Would you be able to add one more teppa?

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  14. I love the serene mood of this beautiful painting, you capture serenity so well!!

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  15. Your painting has so much mood...I love those sweet little boats and the colors you've used. Such a pretty scene.

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  16. Padmaja, This is a very serene and at the same time colorful painting! I see these boats near Nimishamba Temple on the banks of Cauvery river near Mysore. Have not ridden in them as when we visited, it was during the Monsoons and the river was rough and the boatmen were waiting it out!I too have a few photographs of this waiting to be painted - some day :) Meanwhile I am enjoying your beautiful scene! Well done.

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  17. wonderful...I hope to see a series on Cauvery !

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  18. Hi Padmaja, I think I would be nervous in a boat like that, but I love your painting. The composition and colors are very calming.

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  19. How wise and beautiful.
    Happy Holidays friend, all the best to you and yours!

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  20. Wow! I like the light from the background playing its music on the surface of the still water. The river flows, I know, but this is so suttle. Love the colors of the blue -greens you captured in this, Padmaja. I do not want to ride more than two to a teppa!

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  21. Love the colors and feeling of distance you achieved. Your paintings always capture an emotional response from me with your obvious love of what you paint.
    Wishing you peace and happiness in 2014.

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  22. This is such a beautiful calm looking painting - I feel good just looking at it - interesting boats. Hope your holidays are wonderful!

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  23. Happy new year padmaja-)))))))))))
    Next post here
    christamavropoulou.twoday.net/
    Thank you-)))))))))))

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