October Evening

October Evening, 5 by 7 inches oil

The top of the almond tree that was visible

I take a few evening strolls on my roof terrace that is quite big, if I feel too lazy to get out for my walks and while I was at it, just the top of an almond tree that is down the street was visible. Loved the way the leaves were turning red. This tree is important to many locals, there is a regular fruit and flower vendor setting up a make shift shop under the tree.There is a bullock with a cart that is being tied to the tree by its owner for whatever reason! There is also a dog that is permanently stationed here.But I am not too sure if any one is observing the transition in the leaf color, every one is so busy except of course me! So when I realized that the evening should not be allowed to go waste after enjoying the autumn color, I did this painting, more out of the mood and intuition than anything else.The fifteen minutes of creativity definitely added value to my evening.:-)

Till they fall..

An acrylic on canvas 8 by 10 inches, I thought, what is the best way to  enjoy autumn, living in a place where not much green is seen, well, by creating one from memory! Here I go with my bright yellows and oranges, the time spent on this one was really joyful.

As a coincidence, when I finished this painting, I got a phone call from my 88 years old aunt who lives in the US, after many months of no contact. She was sounding excited that she made a call to talk to me to catch up with my life, '' Dont keep the phone down too soon dear, I want to talk to you today for hours, it is always a pleasure to listen to you, but probably this will be the last conversation I will have with you for this life time! I have lead a full life and it is time for me to go!" (Seems she is in the advanced stage of her terminal illness, her days numbered). She went on with her conversation with so much of zest and enthusiasm, it amazed me! Well, I thought, she probably feels like those bright, colorful leaves looking so cheerful till they fall.

Quoting John Burroughs, " How beautifully leaves grow old.How full of light and color are their last days", it probably holds good for few people like my aunt, but I pray it holds good for all.

The Transition

This is an abstracted inspiration from a picture taken at the Centennial lake at Columbia, Maryland. Oil on paper sized 9 by 12 inches. I replaced my brushes with my fingers :-)

Autumn or usually called Fall brings to my mind, vivid hues and joyful exuberance. And the name fall is believed to have originated not because of the fall of leaves from the trees, but because it is the season when the sun falls below the equator to spring back up again six months later.Last year at this time I was in Maryland, USA and had the chance to witness a spectrum of colors between the green shades of summer and the dull browns of winter..... Crimson, fiery red,dull orange, pure orange, soft yellows and bright yellows.

The transition in colors during this season is just amazing!.. well I think this transition in nature is very much similar to transitions in our lives.. an inevitable factor...life transitions are mostly challenging and make us learn lessons and grow.. well, let me stop getting philosophical and just enjoy Autumn as it is :-)