My recent post on peace and happiness reminded me of one of my paintings whose title was Serenity. I have never put up my paintings for sale. But I did end up selling just one and it was Serenity. A good friend of mine really, really wished to have it. She is a psychologist / counselor and wanted the painting for her office where she thought it would exude a peaceful aura. After much friendly persuasion, I agreed to sell it to her knowing that it would be in good hands and that I would always know where to find it. The title was not my choice. My art instructor Joanie Furrow suggested it when I needed names for my paintings during an exhibition. (More of my paintings here)
Among the lovelier of your paintings, Ruchira. The title isn't inapt, but perhaps it gives the viewing a New Age tilt you didn't intend. Anyway, the juxtaposition of this image over the earlier "Blackwater in hot water" post is a great effect!
Posted by: Dean C. Rowan | August 05, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Wow, Ruchira! I like this a lot.
Posted by: ventana | August 05, 2009 at 07:35 PM
It's wonderful. And I find the vessel with the liquid pouring forth rather arresting. There's something maternal about it--perhaps it's the age-old association of motherhood and water. It's as if the the figure, with eyes shut, is giving birth to new possibilities, a better sort of future.
Posted by: Sudip | August 05, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Ruchira,
Thank you for alerting me to this post.
The title, "Serenity", is distracting for me, and I'm trying to enjoy it for what it is without a title. As before, it's color, composition, and balance. As with Ingres' "Odalisque", there is great exaggeration in the body's form. You are painting her as you see her, not as she is. There is an asymmetry that still feels anchored and balanced. Look only at her face and you imagine a young beautiful woman with a slender body. Look at the water jar and feel a weightiness to the figure. Out-sized, disproportionate, geometric, and asymmetric yet it all holds together. And the color....it's just beautiful. I envy your friend.
Posted by: Norman Costa | August 05, 2009 at 11:10 PM
i keep going back and looking at this, Ruchira. very beautiful. the asymmetry was mentioned, and i love the way asymmetry pulls you in, it's almost like it removes your own center of gravity, sweeps you into the image. i'm already a member of the ruchira fan club, but now i'm even more taken with your talents.
Posted by: M | August 10, 2009 at 06:19 AM
This is my favorite of your paintings.
Posted by: Amardeep | August 11, 2009 at 09:56 AM