Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Adding spice to our daily work!. My Technical Painting Days

Folks folks!!! This is an exciting cry from my studio because this day... I might say that am in the middle of volumes of sketches and reference images in front of me....essentially doing my "Dream Project"...for the third time in my years in this industry.

I love doing Scientific or tech. drawings especially when a client comes to me and says he/she wants it as an actual painting....with the freedom to use anything....paints, photoshop, 3D or vector drawing software.




So am on my way to do such a piece...

How lovely it is for a change to actually re-learn our science sessions at school...which we may have almost forgotten ....to be able to renew what one learnt years ago and update with todays inventions...urging me to make my artistic representation of each of it at every step....What a great way to brush up my brain cells ... A chance which rarely came by....now overjoyed to be in that moment of nostalgia and pleasant deja vu.

Isn't this certainly an up-side to being in the creatives-business? There is a kind of getting back some reward while imparting and serving the society.

Do keep yourself updated on my youtube channels for video and animation born out of projects of such nature. In demonstrating these in my social media, I hope it would help you with some ideas on how to enjoy yourselves too while working in todays grind...I feel that no matter what field you maybe in. :o). Think of things to beat boredom at your daily job.... Have a chirpy weekday!!

Ciao then for now.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I like to Live caricature in Dubai

Greetings all

This is a post I originally made just to showcase my live caricature stints. Just about 10 days ago when I first posted this, I was completely oblivious of the fact that not everything is milk and honey in the world of a full-time caricaturist who makes a living doing cartoons at live events.

This is a new context (dated 20 April) to my old post after I did my own research as a blogger in the creative arts industry which is the product of one of my art adventures.

It ain't so pretty in the life of a caricaturist if one wants to caricature for a living. I leave it to you guys to go out there and get curious about what transpires in the life of one of these talented souls. I empathize with them but in the end they are their own masters and only they can keep up to the serenity of their talent.

With this said .... you may now read the rest of the post which I promise is the chirpy part of the bargain :o).

Just to update you, I only perform live caricature for the shear pleasure of doing it. And no thank you shall I say....to do it for profit or attach any commercial interest to it ...for then it just becomes a menial manual activity with all its grace lost. At least it is a great work-out for my mind. And hence am so pleased and proud to do it via my main facilitator ARTE UAE on a weekend or two. Thanks to them it is with great pleasure that I now share my works and views on caricaturing along the middle-eastern coast while I interact with a vibrant transitional multi-national society who hail from various races, color, creed, speaking different languages from different parts of the world.

I must say my exciting journey has taken me into caricaturing just to have some child-like fun which has given me such fulfillment compared to my regular work in branding or creatives or infographic direction or any other creative activity I do, in saying that when I caricature I get into this special dialogue with my target audience bringing about an interactivity and informal conversation where I get to speak with each one of them from their comfort-level, eye-to-eye with all their inhibitions melted away, their reservedness and people-shyness, all disappeared. The intriguing part of it is that while I sketch, my subject is constantly in touch with me conversationally helping me make a better and meaningful image of them and their gestures. Even better, I find something I learn from every individual whether he/she be 4 years of age, 20, 40 or 80. Not only does this enhance my learning about life, but I am pleased that I am able to share my knowledge when my subject tries to learn from me more about art and cartooning which is all the more pleasing when I  teach for passion.

These are some of my other caricature of people, all of which have their own stories to tell.









Having shared this, let me end this post by explaining a bit what caricature means ... from some information gathered from Wikipedia
caricature is a rendered or processed image (made by traditional drawing on paper or canvas or wood or drawn digitally into a computer screen) which shows the features of its subject in an exaggerated way. 
As far as I am concerned, I prefer to make my caricature subjects have pleasantly exaggerated characteristics so everyone has a smiling face when I hand over my sketch  :o) My intent is to enhance the "feel good" emotion in my subject.
In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.
Caricatures can be insulting or complimentary and can serve a political purpose or be drawn solely for entertainment. 
I enjoy making my caricature "Solely" for entertainment and entertainment of the events guests to compliment guests of the party or event.
Be it a birthday party, farewell, retirement, wedding etc etc.  I like making caricatures for the group to think - happy thoughts or get into that "happiness bubble."
Caricatures of politicians are commonly used in editorial cartoons, while caricatures of movie stars are often found in entertainment magazines.
While I do a lot of caricature of politicians  but do not allow for it to see the light of day because I choose to only publicize caricature of neutral subjects and of individuals who personally request me to make of them.... Caricature is also all about capturing the moment and living in that moment. Hence there is no time to crib because this art-form only celebrates the fun element of a character at that moment.
The term is derived from the Italian caricare—to charge or load.
So, the word "caricature" essentially means a "loaded portrait".  
My portraits take a bit longer to create. Whereas my caricature are quick because I tease out ones character from the portrait the best elements in a few lines drawn.
Thank you for stopping by. I sure did enjoy explaining about what transpires whenever I want to become a humorist in the form of my sketches. In a few weeks I am excited at the possibility of showcasing one of my good humorist friends who is a celebrity doing it again as a pleasure in his own country. Wait till I reveal the face of that great artist. Coming soon on this space.

Coming back to my intent of making this post...I hope this art form is preserved to its best.

One needs to recognize the fact that there is intricate split-second brain-power going on inside a caricaturist's mind to be able to churn out such unique pieces of art. And there is a sure need to pull back out of the commercial world and view this with some empathy.

The other best places to see them in action in Dubai are Ripe Markets, Dubai Shopping Festival, Comicon Dubai, Dubai Summer Surprises Events, Al Qasba Sharjah, and of course Arte.

So long till next time. I have a couple of very interesting posts coming up. So gear up for another coffee-time read just coming up.


Thursday, April 3, 2014

A bonus brand new venue for ARTE during Art Season Dubai

Finally it is going to be that day to check out more of Dubai's arts and crafts in the city through none other than ARTE (arte.ae).
I am sure it will be as 150 or more other folks who are passionate about making art pieces think so....As they are going to welcome the tireless Dubai weekend wanderers to an exciting location called Business Bay Mall to accommodate more artists in a fun fair setup.

I am looking forward to spend some weekend fun again reliving that new dialogue I started with members of the public through my portraits, sketches and art.

For more details do take a look at the poster below and the location map:



So long and have a great weekend!






Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Art Dubai - a take from a local contemporary artist

To all you art enthusiasts interested in the Art world happening at the centre of the Middle-east ... a hub for art with multi-cultural interests....That is Dubai
Here is my quick run-down of our Art Dubai visit.

Sit back and enjoy while you read my take.

On the 22nd of March was the day a small group of artists visited to see Art Dubai - a showcase of galleries from about 75 countries around the world at Madinat Jumeirah.

This was the best piece I liked.....priced at about 4000 British Pound. It looked like a print....and was sold out to at least 5 buyers
We were all looking forward to the grand display of internationally acclaimed art galleries showing their world class artists' designs, art and installations.

Here is narration with my pictures I took along the way.

At the Cartier Stands

Cartier Displays were flawless and Spectacular!

The first piece we encountered....worthy of study... A strong play of mixed-media here including Gauche

Very interesting ceramic piece!

This was no photograph...but paintings!

Interestingly named with the word "blue" in its title. 

These stood apart from many other displays simply because of its monochrome colors....It was also very relaxing to the beholder.

Corrugated card board installation.

An ambience within the show which seemed complementing every art piece on display

Interesting display....I am unable to recollect the title....but sure is thought-provoking.

Interesting piece of art....well worked-upon.


A realism mixed with surrealism?

Interesting play of colors

Artistic installations from the ceiling

My most favorite installation....we noticed it right at the end....as it sat modestly waiting for everyones attention :o)

Interesting installation....makes one stop and look at thoughtfully

Abstract piece I would understand if I had spend more time at the venue

Interesting installation was definitely a crowd-puller :o)

A piece we noticed right at the entrance...with the Expo 2020 logo on it
Check out the ambience! Once again


Interesting piece....I am sure there was a great story behind it.

This installation certainly makes its presence felt....and is absorbing the light and shadow as it feels fit

Reminds me of a piece I indulged in a few months back

Lovely installation complementing the ambience....

very meaningful to many.... 

Play of color harmony to me.

Nice installation....worthy of study...

Lovely play of light, shade and depth

This piece played upon our sense of illusion. This is not a perspective shot....but a piece which actually looks like this

Interesting piece....one could capture true meaning from it

An abstract....should be really meaningful for the artist.

These pieces were priced $30000

This piece was USD120000

I saw a mirror piece which was sold out for 250000 (not sure if it was add or use). Either way the buying for of the piece was huge!! eh?

Hope you guys enjoyed Art Dubai 2014 report. So long on this same note same time next year!

Friday, March 21, 2014

An Art-trio unite in the event of Art Week Dubai

Here is a sneak peak of what some of we artists are occupied with this week during Art Week Dubai.

I have perhaps reached a moment of truth after my many years of practicing as an artist in the region.

A rare opportunity to trek as an art trio from the same home country but from 3 different backgrounds, different artistic styles and views coming together this week to share their common interests and endeavors in art.

Tomorrow I look forward to taking a trek in the arts arena with 2 other practicing Dubai artists our interests have drawn us closer over the past months. Tomorrow we are off to the financial city of Dubai (popularly referred to as DIFC) and  in and around Downtown Dubai where a number of top-name art galleries wait modestly for meaningful visits from art connoisseurs and art lovers. And indeed they have been frequented by many an art collector of fame.

The 2 of my artist friends are quite accomplished in their own right and possess their own unique styles.
Meet Manisha Andrade an Artist from Bombay - Mumbai who has her paintings owned by several collectors in the region and abroad with many of her pieces/installations in and around the city on display.
http://www.facebook.com/ManishaAndrade

Meet Nissa Riyas an accomplished persevering artist again with her paintings much in demand among a good number of art lovers. Having her upcoming shows in April and May at Lalith Kala Academy, India and in Dubai galleries respectively.
http://www.facebook.com/nissariyasartist

It is going to be a pleasure of finally going to ArtDubai with artist peers like them. Looking forward to being able to take a close look at masterpiece paintings and galleries drawing attention from around the world. Glad to know that we will be covering at least 10 galleries tomorrow.

Hopefully we will be able to manage to take another trip to the actual ArtDubai festival along Jumeirah.

More details on how it went with some supporting photographs coming up in a couple.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

An ART group in Dubai made it for me

My apologies for missing from my blog from the new year of 2014. The real-life grind goes on but I am going to be coming to give you an update about this exciting season in Dubai!

How have you been doing with that New Years resolution?

As for me and some folks around here the madness continues and my motivation to keep up with the race has been several this season. It all started in January when I took part in Street Art Night - city beautification project when one felt this revolutionary period in art in Dubai is something no one could afford to miss. This phenomenon does not seem to stop anytime soon for the liberalization of conducting programs like this has only made Dubai all the more sparkly with different races of people from around the world coming into the country in droves.

This is my third year of exploration and experience in the entrepreneurial world and it has been nothing but an exciting ride filled with mystery, conviction, uncertainty, learning from life's ruthless ways of wisdom-sharing, artists camaraderie, collaborations and finding the long sought after niche. Along the way, I was truly touched by some very genuinely human (yes I emphasize) human beings and some very inhuman behavior from but only a few others. But all of it have been a part and parcel of being a growing entity not losing sight of what I wanted to have at the end of 2014.

The plan to set priorities straight this year:
Resolution 1: To give a hearing to my true calling in being a realist and impressionist and taking fine art to my next level...because art to artists makes work-life not all business....but gives a sense of release and a balance to normalise living.
Resolution 2: To shift gears within my corporate offerings to remove some of my services which are beaten up and broken into a sorry commodity and to look closely at what I have as a niche offering. I have managed to lock down a couple... those which I have gathered slowly, painfully with several years of seasoning.

So now I am rather pleased to say....resolution no. 1 has been met more far beyond expectation.
And resolution no. 2 is on its way to its victory.

Here are my posts in relation to my first resolution going forward oh so successfully.

I became a regular exhibitor, also having the courage to face members of the public, holding live portrait sessions at Arte - The Artisans of the Emirates which is an art market in Dubai. I realized that my sketches were such a great vehicle to create my dialogue with many people face-to-face in the city. So overwhelming was this experience which I had dreamed of in all my years as an artist.

Almost 2 weekend days from January - March 2014 I was there getting into an artistic trance like no other. Hats-off to this very thoughtfully created group... who make us and Dubai pledge "to Go Handmade!"

Arte was one among the good samaritans who have helped me see my resolution through this far.

Following are the pictures born out of my involvement with Arte. Dubai with Arte, this season got me into the groove of making portraits by the numbers....getting to practice like this is simply a joy.

I can't express enough the enjoyment I felt in mingling with a multi-national Dubai community doing what I did, getting into split-second friendly conversations no matter what their age, 6, 16, 30, or 80. Getting a thumbs up or a couple of cheers from passers-by who otherwise would just have passed by. Everyone shared a broad smile as if to say thanks for entertaining them. 

These pictures may show a bit of the flavor of my experience and an introducing to my signature style in portrait and caricature. 


Besides, I was pleased to make portraits of 2 great people....
Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela soon to be available as limited edition prints.




I have never enjoyed live-sketching like this before in Dubai!!
Truly no 2 people were from the same region.
The past 2 weeks I made portraits of 2 Africans, an Indian child, a Jordanian child, a Lebanese chil and portraits and caricature of many people who send in pictures. If faces that passed by were so portrait friendly as in good posers....I was pleased to give a portrait to them free like this Egyptian Child.



and even a 5-minute portrait of my pet daschund which quickly got bought by a second-grader "Deniz" who looked at him like eye-candy. 

It was a small struggle to part with my first portrait of Robbie yet I was pleased to hand it to little Deniz who I knew would treasure it dearly. 
Here is his picture.

 However I made a new one of him soon after. :o) Shall post it here for you as soon as I can.


I was also very pleased to re-introduce a couple of oil paintings (in flesh & blood) from my personal collection which I painted back in the 1980s and 1990s, shipped in from my home country.
I couldn't believe they have been with the household as silent companions for more than 20 years.

She is the product of my study of one of the great masters Rembrandt


This bear family piece made in July 1994 was inspired by the impressionists.


So the season this far was something to treasure....
Today being the start of the Art Week in Dubai the March fever hasn't stopped just yet.
I am waiting for another artistic trek this weekend.
Wait till I uncover what, where and who were here when I blog about it next week same time.
The only thing I wish is I had an extra self to help me take part in the bubbling events in store for artists right now.

Keep an eye on this space....because posts of it all are going to be rolling in regular succession. I have been bitten by the writer's bug once again ;o)

So long until next time!