May 1, 2011

Face of a Dancer

This is Sahana and she is a "Bharathnatyam" dancer. She performed on stage for the first time recently and the event was an excitement for her friends and family. I got to do this poster of her to be exhibited at the event. It was done in oil. I saw in her eyes, a lot of enthusiasm for a first time stage performance, the passion for her dance itself and her intention to give the best out of herself. I do not know how far I was successful in bringing out the same.But she loved what I created for her and it was worth my effort and I am delighted!

Bharathnatyam, a classical form of dance originated from the state of Tamil Nadu , India. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam, as the name depicts is the combination of:

BHA- Bhava (Expression), RA- Raga (Music) and TA- Tala (Rhythm). Today this is one of the popularly practiced dance forms in India.

I think, dance is an extension of one's soul, even if we are not dancers in the real sense, we can learn to dance in our hearts :-)

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23 comments:

  1. AKMay 1, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    This is lovely. The enthusiasm is visible in the eyes. Probably the blue color signifies the blues you get before your first performance! Great work.

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  2. irinapicturesMay 1, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Great art. I am very much impressed by the spiritual background, so full of energy and passion.

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  3. Rama AnanthMay 1, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    It is really beautiful padmaja, what can i say you have captured her thoughts, her excitement , her enthusiasm everything, and more all in one in single painting. And she is beautiful too!

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  4. AzraMay 1, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    My eyes lit up when I saw this !! The colours really accentuate each other and the detail on her jewellery is stunning.In her eyes you can clearly see the spark of anticipation and you just know she's going to love performing.Thanks for sharing the history behind this dance..its fascinating.You're right about dance...I confess to having a dance around the living room,when I'm on my own of course..it really does lift your spirits.

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  5. Sanctified SpacesMay 1, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    She is a beauty and you have captured it really well.Really a classic.

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  6. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    I googled both Sahana and the dance and you caught it all, Padmaja. The color speaks volumes! Such detail! I love the feather like forms to the right suggesting the spirit and movement of the dance perhaps? Clapping for you!

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  7. Autumn LeavesMay 2, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    A most beautiful poster and definitely words of wisdom, Padmaja. I love how she is looking off to the side; makes her excitement come through loud and clear!

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  8. yashaMay 2, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Great looking poster.Beautiful detailing on the jeweleries and eyes definitely show enthusiasm of the dancer.Great job!!

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  9. Meera RaoMay 3, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    I am really impressed with the color and details!!!!

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  10. TeresaMay 4, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    This is a beautiful painting, Pad! She looks young, lovely and full of zest for life. Yes, dancing is good for the soul.

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  11. hmuxoMay 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    This is a beautiful piece, Padmaja! The vibrant colors and all the detail that you put into it is amazing. Beautiful girl!

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  12. Dean H.May 4, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    This is an absolutely wonderful painting, Padmaja!
    The strong colors and contrast are exciting! I also like the hint of peacock in the background.

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  13. sandyMay 4, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    This is so beautiful and the details on the jewelry is great...

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  14. Prerana KulkarniMay 6, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Hi Padmaja, This portrait is great. I like the way you decorated with peacock feathers on the side, it brings out the beauty of the girl. I noticed something - the features of this girl have a striking similarity with well known actress Rekha. Specially the eyes and nose part!

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  15. Lori ZébièreMay 6, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Gorgeous work! You have captured a wonderful look of anticipation. She looks calm and confident, with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. Such beautiful detail and the colours positively sing! I love the movement in the brushstrokes on the feathers. I wish I could have attended the event, I LOVE Indian dance, I've only been lucky enough to see it perfomed live here in Canada once.

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  16. EvaMay 6, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    I can understand why she loved your painting. It is wonderful along with the extra touch of the peacock feathers. They add so much.Bravo!
    Thanks for adding the explanation of the dance.I found it fasinating.

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  17. Narayan PillaiMay 8, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Beautifully done! love the colors and the peacock feathers add to the beauty of the portrait.

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  18. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    that is a beautiful portrait of a rather pretty dancer :) Lucky hop to you space - two thumbs up!

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  19. BrandNewStudioMay 10, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    BeautifulWork
    Thank you for sharing

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  20. BikramMay 23, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    A beautiful thought.. even if we dont know how to sance we can still leanr to dance in our hearts and a Happy heart a dancing Heart is beautiful ...


    Bikram's

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  21. VictoriaJanuary 31, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    Beautiful..I am in awe of her!! Such presence..such radiance ...and such a creative soul beaming from her!Not only is this visually stunning in colors and expression..but in heart too! I love what you wrote..I agree..we can dance in our heart..and your paintings certainly dance..powerful!
    Victoria

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  22. LocomenteFebruary 17, 2015 at 12:03 PM

    Very nice painting... Brings out the flavors of tradition beautifully...
    I agree.. Our heart always dance... Sometimes performs somersaults too... Regardless of age!

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  23. HelenJune 11, 2017 at 6:08 AM

    I love the peacock feather background... shows the movement of the dance. Gorgeous.

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