April 1, 2014

Riders of Petra

It is a donkey's day, oil on 8 by 10 inches canvas board.

Tall conversation, oil on 8 by 10 inches canvas board.

Two at a time, oil on 8 by 10 inch canvas board.

Carriage ride , oil on 8 by 10 inch canvas board.
I recently traveled to Jordon and came back with a lot of inspiration to paint. These were done from my time spent at Petra, a city in the south of Jordon. Due to its breathtaking grandeur and fabulous ruins, Petra was recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The only modes of transport allowed within Petra are on two feet or four (camel, donkey, or horse or horse carriage) We didnt use any animal rides since we didnt feel comfortable about the idea.
Personally this trip meant the world to me since it reinforced my faith in my grit, to be able to walk again after an year long confinement to bed. Creatively, I came back enjoying the rich culture and tradition that Jordon has to offer including an opportunity to learn the technique of mosaic at Madaba. A single piece of a 9 by 12 inches mosaic design cost 1500$ ! I bought mosaic pieces with an idea of creating my own piece. But when I am going to complete it remains a question mark!



30 comments:

  1. At the outset,let me say I was greatly impressed with the captions for the pictures.They cannot be improved upon.
    To tell that the paintings are fabulous would be labouring on the obvious!

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  2. Padmaja, these paintings are wonderful. The colors are gorgeous and you've captured the grace of the animals and the magic of Petra. I haven't kept up with everyone, so I didn't realize you had been confined to bed. I'm so happy to know that you're up and about.

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  3. Wow, Padmaja! These are awesome. No one does color like you do! I thought I was looking at the American Southwest until I read your post. Normally I can pretty easily tell when an image was taken outside of the U. S., but not this time. Of course, when I realize I am looking at camels, that tips it off! LOL

    I am so happy that you are up and walking and I know that a year in bed could not have been easy at all! I am hoping that you are not feeling any pain, or at least much much less. Grit sometimes keeps me going too. No package yet...

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  4. Beautiful colours, your interpretation of the colours in the rocks is amazing!! I'm so glad you're well again, I knew you would pull through, you are strong both mentally and physically. I look forward to seeing your mosaic.xxx

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  5. These paintings are beautiful. I've always wanted to go to Petra, so thank you for sharing these. The light in the first two are striking. The third one looks like a tapestry of colors. And the last one reminds me a bit of the canyons of the western US. All four are unique and wonderful.

    I didn't know you had been confined to bed for an illness. What great news to know that you are up and about and were able to walk about in Petra and enjoy yourself and of course get inspiration for these wonderful works.

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  6. I am so glad you are up and walking. You never mentioned your illness on blog, at least I did not read, so sorry for you.
    Paintings are so original and powerful, the first one is my personal fav.
    Please keep going, sister!

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  7. Some really beautiful paintings from your trip, gorgeous and warm colors . And Padmaja , really happy to hear you are back on your feet again , you have been through quite an ordeal, this trip has surely been a wonderful treat ! xx

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  8. Padmaja, I was so shocked to read you have been bedfast for a year. I have been visiting your blog, but somehow I missed this fact. I am very relieved and happy for you that you are active again and that you got to take a trip that was special for you and one that your have documented so beautifully with your artful skill. These are gorgeous and warm.

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  9. Beautiful paintings Padmaja, my fave among the four is tall conversations.

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  10. The colors n composition in each of them is stunning. Also looking fwd to your mosaic!

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  11. A nice memory of your trip. You captured the grandeur of the place. I would love to visit there. Glad you are all well.

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  12. Padmaja these are so lovely, and filled with light! So sorry to hear you were bed ridden but now you are doing well and painting. So happy to hear. Your work is an inspiration.

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  13. I also did not realize you were not mobile for a year, it is wonderful to hear you are traveling and what beautiful paintings. I have always loved the terra cotta colors of mountains and the perspective create wonderful depth.

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  14. How fabulous Padmaja....great to hear, you are up and about...and doing well. Tell us more of your Petra trip
    Take care
    Anu

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  15. Lovely creations Padmaja! You brought Jordan back to life!

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  16. beautiful tapestry like paintings with luscious colors, light and a mystery ! I have to put Petra as a must visit place! I feel sheepish as I acknowledge that I was not aware that you were in bedrest for a year! --you did a great job of keeping us all focused on your art only. So pleased to know that you were able to walk the Petra :) and, looking forward to your mosaic of Madaba!

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  17. I really am drawn to the bright colors you used in these. They so effectively captured the "light". The little figures are always fun and they really make these! I love them all, Padmaja.

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  18. Love your vibrant colors and the interpretation of rocks. Your paintings certainly come from your heart! I missed the fact too that you were bedfast for a year, but great to know that you are up and about and can enjoy the outdoors!

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  19. These are such beautiful painting padmaja.It is good to know that Petra did the thing it was meant to do: that is rekindle your faith in yourself.
    You have to only see the painting, and get more and more inspired to do more of the things which might seem a little impossible right now.
    Be well padmaja.

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  20. Stunning...stunning...stunning!
    Great designs and beautiful colors. Not only are your paintings inspiring but the message of perseverance and personal courage shines though.
    It is a privilege to know you, dear Padmaja.

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  21. The paintings are wonderful, and the way they all tell the story of this special place and your meaningful journey... Wow! I like the colors that you've used, and the way that you have a pathway leading through each piece... it all tells a beautiful story, Padmaja. I'm so happy to hear that you made this trip. I'm looking forward to seeing the mosaics!

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  22. Hi Padmaja! The Petra paintings are stunning! Followed you via "Sunny Yellow Window". I just submitted a link there, if you happen to see it you would know why I am in awe of your Petra paints!

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  23. Padmaja I love that piece "It's a donkey's day!"! Really beautiful work, and you have captured the mood of the lighting perfectly. Petra sounds beautiful too, I hope to be able to go there someday myself. I will keep an eye out on this blog for when you do get around to producing those mosaics!

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  24. How lucky you are to have travelled to Jordan, Padmaja!! You produced four amazing paintings. They're all beautiful but I LOVE "Two at a time"... The colors are outstanding! I'm so happy that you're feeling better, my friend!!!! I look forward to your next painting!

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  25. These are fabulous. The palette is so apt. You can feel the heat and sun. Lovely rendition.

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  26. Inspiring work Padmaja! These are all beautiful paintings and I 'm happy for you things are going well. Happy painting!

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  27. They are all gorgeous paintings! You are very talented and thank you so much for sharing.

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