Sunday, May 22, 2016

A Colorful Cover-up

A Colorful Cover-up watercolor and ink by Meera Rao
India Art Journal 2015

It looked like a giant colorful caterpillar from a distance making me stop in my tracks. A long multicolored striped cotton floor mat (jamkane in local Kannada language) covering a vehicle protecting it from the hot sun and any mess dropped by birds sitting in the near by tree! It was by the front door of a school and my guess is that the car belonged to some 'important' visitor.  A dog was happily lying down by it too. 

I had sketched those mats a few times before - it was covering the stage platform and risers in a 'Yakshagana' performance  where the musicians were seated. Those mats come in different sizes and are workhorses - spread on the floor at functions for people to sit on, at many homes and on most train journeys they are the base layer for bedding for people to sleep on, for covering a pile of boxes or suitcases to keep dust away in some homes, as yoga mats etc.. 



A Colorful Cover-up, 5.5x8" watercolor and ink on 140 lb Strathmore visual Journal


10 comments:

Carol Blackburn said...

Very interesting, Meera! It would have made me take notice also. I wish you a beautiful day.

Lisa Graham said...

Hello Meera. What a beautiful sketch. I like your analogy of the caterpillar. I cannot imagine ever owning a vehicle that was so nice, I felt I had to put a blanket on it. Like tucking it into bed for the night.

I enjoyed looking through previous posts. Your journals are marvelous and such a treasure. Have a great week.

Linda said...

Meera, your paintings are beautiful! :)

padmaja said...

Very beautiful Meera!
I am a huge fan of zamkahans and I have collected quite a lot from Cauvery and Pumbuhar.

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Carol! --There is such an assault on the senses in India that so many times I take things for granted --It takes extra effort on my part to be mindful and notice everyday scenes and views and I am very grateful when I become aware of the beauty :)

Meera Rao said...

Lisa, Thanks! Cars are still very much a luxury for most people and once in a lifetime major investment that needs to be protected from the harsh tropical elements and some unscrupulous fellow beings as well -hence the extra effort. Besides, hot cars are not fun to get into :)

Sadami said...

Hi, Meera, this painting is lovely and makes us smile, particularly, a doggy! The post and the work show how lovely you are!! Best wishes, Sadami

JANE MINTER said...

really fun sketch Meera ... and memory to keep

Meera Rao said...

@Sadami, Thank you--I always appreciate your comments! Thanks for stopping by :)

Meera Rao said...

Jane, Thanks :) yes that one still makes me smile!

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