I just finished this watercolor painting of a group of children playing street Cricket. I used photographs taken a few years ago by my daughter and myself near St. Thomas Mount in Chennai, India as reference. I played with the composition and moved some children around, changed what was beyond the gate and finally sketched it a few weeks ago. Only this morning I decided to take the plunge and paint. And I still wonder to this day why the kid was watching instead of being a part of the game.
Play is crucial for fostering the creative spirit. Childlike curiosity and passion lead to 'eureka' moments throughout history and of course in our everyday life in things big and small. Here is a TED video of Vik Muniz, a Brazilian born, Brooklyn based artist. He uses everyday materials like cotton, sugar, wire, chocolate and thread etc in unexpected and playful ways to create portraits, landscapes, still life. I am feeling rather inadequate for using only good old watercolors!
