Saturday, July 20, 2013

Flights of Fancy



2013 India Sketch Journal June 21 By Meera Rao

Everyday the parrots in the neighbourhood dart around following one another, frolicking, squawking and chirping away.  I have a movie of it but unfortunately can't share it as it is not loading right into the blogger :( Last year the parrots used two coconut trees on a neighbour's yard as their base.  This year they have chosen a tree with a few dead branches in another yard as their perch as the coconut trees are dead and felled. I love watching their green bodies, red beaks and long tail feathers as they streak by and wonder what they are really doing! Is this a game, an elaborate social ritual, hunting for a meal or something else altogether?  I zoom in on the ones that land on a branch for a few minutes with my camera lens so I can see what they look like up close and still for a moment and of course, admire them a bit !

2013 India Sketch Journal June 22 By Meera Rao

I pass by this 'compound' most days on my daily walks or errands. The locked up classic 'old Mysore house' now with its overgrown garden/yard lush from the monsoon rains, fence wall and gate in ruins conjures up all kinds of drama in my head ;)  Painting the beautiful birds and then this yard made me acutely aware of the cycle of life. Many of these classic old houses are slowly being renovated and I am hoping some day this one will get a new lease on its life! 

Below is page 8 as it is in my sketchbook: 

2013 India Sketch Journal Page 8 By Meera Rao

And Thank you- each and every one for stopping by,  for leaving comments and coming along with me on my trip :)   

15 comments:

AK said...

Meera these sketches are really fascinating. Later on they will be probably like the yesteryear photo albums. Memories to be cherished.

ashok said...

fascinating indeed...

Meera Rao said...

Am, thank you! This is my second summer filling up a sketchbook as I take care of m I l . And I am pleased with the practice I am getting - no expectation other than a sketch a day to capture my stay here!

Meera Rao said...

Ah, the auto correct :( AK, thank you , the above was a reply to you !

Meera Rao said...

Ashok, thank you for stopping by !

Lisa Graham said...

Great sketches Meera. I too love to see old homes restored. Older homes have so much charm and it is sad when they get knocked down.

Carol Blackburn said...

Hello Meera, thanks for opening your journal to us all. It's always a sweet visit to your blog.

Introverted Art said...

Love the colors on the parrot.

padmaja said...

Oh my, parrots in Bangalore! I have seen them so rarely now a days,,you got lucky and also dis a great job on this sketch.i love the old houses in Malleshawarm and Basavqngudi, they are marvels and your sketch reminded me of these areas.

Unknown said...

The parrot is beautiful. I can imagine how challenging it would be to paint a bird in action... but you've done it perfectly! I like how you wrote about their social climate too. The old house is a wonderful composition, Meera! With the softly weathered walls against the lush foliage... very nicely done!

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Lisa! The real estate is so pricey here that its too much of a temptation to tear down a big single house and build an apartment complex.

Meera Rao said...

Carol, thank you very mcuh! you made my day :)

Meera Rao said...

@ introverted art - me too :) they are such a beautiful sight to watch - its like flying colors :)

Meera Rao said...

Padmaja- the parrots are in Mysore - thats where I am :) Lots of old houses and beautiful huge trees here too! always a pleasure to hear from you :)

Meera Rao said...

Thank you katherine! that makes me feel better because I always think I have overdone and fussed around too much with unnecessary details -- I am working hard at only putting in some details - easier said than done!

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