I have been in to removing clutter regularly at home for years now and enjoy being a minimalist! I give away things that I have not used for the last six months or so. But some "clutter" that have been retained are precious like the used bag that we bought when we set up our home for the first time, that reminds me to be grateful for what we have today materialistically.. or Bambi, the first book that we got for our son.. that will remain with me for ever and can not be termed as a clutter even though I have no use for it. May be still a long way to go to learn about detachment , I prefer not to learn :-)Last week when I was clearing up my attic, I found this painting in a dusty file, all eaten up by cockroaches.I did this one when I was about thirteen years old and remember very vividly how I pestered my little sister to pose for me, draped her in a saree and made her look like a woman. I had a small box of paints that I shared with my brother and sister and it was a luxury. You can see that obviously I had no idea about tones or values in a color. I was glad that I found this "clutter" that made me aware of how far I have traveled with my colors , that has motivated me to continue my journey :-)
Great find. Very important part of the old paintings (besides other features) is the day of your life which comes back when you look at and feel the paper.
ReplyDeleteVery gifted 13 years old.
What a sweet story! You were talented even years ago! I like to unclutter too. It helps to clear your mind and heart, I think.
ReplyDeleteFor 13 years old its very good painting, the proportion, pose is good given the fact it was done from life
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find!!!! You did a lovely job and your sister proved a perfect model. Isn't it wonderful to have and hold a piece that instantly fills you with such memory and emotion?!! Some clutter turns out to be treasure...and I'd hold onto Bambi, too.
ReplyDeleteThere is a big difference with clutter and those special things that bring back wonderful memories and make us happy. Most things in clutter don't make us happy at all. I hope you're keeping your painting...
ReplyDeleteYou knew how to set up a model and paint from life at 13? Wow! I would have never guessed this was done by a thirteen year old -precious! And I disagree you didn't know about tone and value :) I am glad this 'clutter' was saved. One of these days I too will conquer clutter -I seem to be missing the gene for keeping things uncluttered :(
ReplyDeleteYou were truly 'on your way' and it shows.
ReplyDeleteIts weight is worth in gold!
ReplyDeletePadmaja, you were very talented even at thirteen. "Some things we must never discard, as they hold a piece of our heart."
ReplyDeleteI also have difficulty choosing between the things I like, and the serenity of an uncluttered space. Your old painting is very well done - interesting pose and lighting, and the color was probably better originally. But yes, your painting has improved quite a bit.
ReplyDeletePadmaja I feel you are lucky enough that you found this precious piece in clutter.You were so talented even at the age of 13.At 13,I could only think of copying other's work.:)
ReplyDeleteEven at the young age of 13 your talent shined. Another memory to keep.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find. Even then you knew about using light. I think it has a wonderful quality about it. Wish I still had my art from that age.
ReplyDeleteJean
Wow! its a really good find... lots of memories and more than that the awareness of how far you have travelled! I really liked the painting and agree with all the above comments that even at 13 you had lot of talent.
ReplyDeleteWow - only 13 when you did this - you did a great job, I love the glowing light. Lovely memories, too.
ReplyDeleteYou were so talented at such a young age. You did an amazing job! When I was 13 I needed something to copy. Very nice post, Padmaja.
ReplyDeletePadmaja, you were a talented artist even at the young age of 13.
ReplyDeleteI hope this painting has now been stored safely within a portfolio. There is a great deal of difference between clutter and things of the heart. This was from the heart. Such talent, even at a young age, Padmaja!
ReplyDeleteFor a 13 year old that is an amazing painting. The talent is already showing through Padmaja!
ReplyDeleteclutters sometimes open a box of memories...thanks for sharing the painting
ReplyDeleteThe expression on her face is very mature--an excellent painting for a 13 year old...
ReplyDeletePS: I'd add to that list of things that will never be clutter--the very first baby clothes, blankie, baby books............ yes, my list is rather long.
hey aunty... i remember u telling me while doing my portrait that u used to do portraits of ur sis when u were young and mine was the 2nd portrait u did... this one is really good and definitely not clutter.. :)
ReplyDeleteand needless to say that i ve kept mine very safe with me.. :)
It is a lovely painting: and you sister does look as if she is annoyed, but then so what you had captured the expression too well.
ReplyDeleteOk you might have learnt a lot of skills, but a painting with out any of the knowledge still looks good enough for you to share it with us. Good job.
To have this portrait of your sister still, what a great treasure and beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for knowing the difference between clutter and priceless keepsakes.
ReplyDeleteI missed reading this post. I'm glad I found the time to read it. The painting is lovely, very haunting. I wish I was a minimalist as I have a lot of things that I feel I may need later. I manage to keep everything organized, but less would be better.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! And to think that you were only 13 yrs old! Although I don't know what your sister looks like, I'm sure you did a wonderful representation of her here. So glad you found it so that you can scan it and have it digitally forever. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a find it is. Even back then your unique style really speaks
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