I’ve been attempting to paint more than a portrait for the last few months but there is something special about this lady that has had me breaking that self imposed rule. She’s been the subject of my paintings four times already in the last 3 months. And I know that I’m not done yet! You can see the others versions here, here and here.
She is the Tea Lady with a low open stall outside the entrance to a disused railway track. She was selling tea and some eats and had one customer at the time the photographs were taken. I like the fact that she is looking down and away as I find it easier to let my imagination run free when I’m painting.
The track later took us past a few shops and then a line of shanties on either side of the track leading to a dried fish market which is a popular addition to local dishes in Bangladesh. Further ahead was Karwan Bazaar, one of the biggest wet markets in the city.
Photograph copyright Anil Advani. Used with permission.
Published by Ujwala
I guess I would have to classify myself as a “self taught” artist not having an MFA or a BFA degree. I am a happy mix of self learning and a bit more formally from artists in workshops and institutions. And after over 15 years of figuring things out, I wouldn’t want it any other way!
The journey of understanding and making art, for me, is a continuous learning process: Improving existing skills, learning new ones and most of all growing with the experience. Drawing and painting are an integral part of my life, something I am passionate about. The blogs, Maya & draw the line, document the road traveled thus far.
People, their moods, interactions and emotions are an ongoing source of curiosity and interest. What I’m searching for is their inner personalities, their thoughts and there are stories I build around them as I work. I like portraying feelings of people when they are alone, lost in their thoughts, caught unawares. Those are the special moments that appeal to me most. I love to experiment and use a variety of medium ranging from oil, charcoal, printmaking, clay to the digital medium. Regardless, my focus remains fixed on the human form.
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Maya 
This painting is remarkable. What is different for me is that there is an organic feel to this painting. This is a real person and I can attached a story to this face which is full of emotion. Beautiful!
This is yet another lovely one, Ujwala. You convey her personality with aplomb.
I like everything in this portrait, the asymmetric composition,
The vibrant white and red highlights, the choice on closed eyes, letting feel the spirituality that we all have…bravo!
Bob Martin : Thank you. Means a lot to me.
Anil : thank you for a great ref.
Benedicte : it was great to be painting a portrait again. thank you.
yeah there really are some people that fascinate us 🙂 this is a wonderful portrait, ujwala
thank you johanna 😀
a vibrant painting. i like your style.happy i spotted your blog through blogadda.i am also an artist and i have created ‘motivart’ with quotes printed on my paintings to motivate myself and others .
This says so much with just a few blocks of color. I so admire and am inspired by your beautiful and sensitive work.
I just LOVE your work. This is a beautiful portrait.
motivart : thank you and all the best with you paintings and quotes.
mARTa : i look forward to your comments. thank you.
Linda M : 😀 thank you.