Mahishadal, Rajbari ( Palace) Purba Medinipur, West Bengal -Watercolor Sketch on paper

© Shubhankar Adhikari 

Watercolour sketch on paper

This is a fast sketch of Mahishadal Rajbari made by me in the year 2010. I think Mahishadal Rajbari is one of the finest place for the artists and nature lovers to enjoy the vast water bodies, gardens,trees and historical bulidings. The place is very calm and peaceful, perfect for doing open air artworks.

Mahishadal is famous historical place situated in Haldia subdivision of Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal. It is just a three and half hours drive  from Kolkata. An excellent weekend gateway for artists,musicians,nature-lovers,film-directors,coaches, poets, writers,composers,photographers,players,students,academicians,and tourists.

Kolkata City traffic at Gariahat Crossing

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Watercolour painting on paper (11" x 7" )

Gariahat crossing is one of my favourite spot in Kolkata  for getting some motivation  to paint busy city life. Here you can view the city traffics coming from Rashbehari Crossing. Trams are also there because  Ballygunj tram depot is nearby. 

Cityscape - Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam City suburb, Andhra Pradesh

watercolour and pen on paper

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

This is a watercolour  townscape  of  Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh. Simhachalam is a beautiful place situated near Visakhapatnam City. The place is surrounded by beautiful hills and also famous for Simhachalam Hindu Temple .

Kolkata Cityscape - A city tram heading towards southern Kolkata

Watercolour painting on paper 

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

Sharing another painting from "Kolkata cityscape series". We are aware that  Kolkata is the only city in India where trams are still running  actively. I always like to travel Kolkata by trams, because they are comfortable and pollution free. Still I get very nostalgic when I hear the sound of the bell of a tram. Here in this painting I have depicted a tram passing through the evergreen Kolkata maidan area. Trams are very frequent in this route. 

Indian village scene

watercolour painting on paper 

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Sharing another painting  from Rural India series. This is a scene of a village in Howrah district ,West Bengal. I always love to paint Indian villages. Here you can see village dwellers are busy with their household activities. The presence of strong light made the painting more vibrant.

Still Life Work

Watercolour painting on paper (11" x 14")

© Shubhankar Adhikari

Doing lots of still life painting these days. Spending more time in my studio these days. The scorching heat outside preventing me to do open air works. So for next two months I will confine myself in the studio for the hot summer. Have a plan to do lots of still life works each day.  

Still Life painting

watercolour painting on paper (14" x 11")

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Happy to share this recent still life work with you.

Wishing  all my followers ,friends ,students, well wishers a very happy Bengali New Year .

Rural India - a village scene

Painting on paper (watercolour )

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

This is one of my favourite composition. I always love to visit  Indian village areas. People   with different religions live here peacefully and amidst sweet amity. Often we can get the breathtaking view of the local river running by the side of the village. It looks nice from a distance. 

During various festivals the villagers enjoys within themselves. Different cultural functions are held throughout the year. Village fair is also an important recreation in the life of villagers. I have a dormant desire in the core of my heart to paint more from the life of  village people.

Palatial Entrance

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Painting on paper (watercolour )

Finished this work last week.............. Happy to share with you all............Have a nice weekend :)

Still Life

Painting on handmade paper (watercolour )

(size- 22" x 15")

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Very recent work.......happy to share with you all. You can view more similar work like this in near future.......so stay tuned. :)

A Lonely Lighthouse

Painting on paper (watercolour)

Title - A Lonely Lighthouse

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

This is a fully imaginative work created by me last week. It was the result of the inspiration  I had gained  by visiting a lighthouse in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh.

In the Indian coastal side , we can get these types of lonely lighthouses  standing firmly against all the climatic disasters. This is quite inspiring to me. When I visited Visakhapatnam last January , I noticed two light houses there.

First time in my life I had entered into a lighthouse in Visakhapatnam .  I perched the top of the the lighthouse to see the "Bay Of Bengal" from here. A breath taking view of the sea  was waiting for the visitors . I captured many shots . Cool gentle breeze was passing by. The day was sunny. I was deeply motivated by the scenic view from there . The Lighthouse is situated on the hill top. The big ships were looking like a small ant from there. 

Mumbai bound super-fast train leaving Kolkata.......watercolour painting

watercolour painting on cartridge paper  

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Trains are always my favourite subject for painting. This is a painting which I completed yesterday. I always love to travel by train rather than plane. In near future I have a plan that I will do a solo exhibition based on my train paintings. 

A busy city road just after sudden downpour

Watercolour painting on handmade paper ( 14" x 11")

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

The things are going very busy around here. Started some new projects. Also busy with my musical experiments . Recently composed some new musical piece on my sitar and started recording. Also preparing myself for my own solo exhibition . Working regularly to finish my paintings for the exhibition. Busy with my Institute also. Teaching  students on regular basis.

Abstract Landscape

Watercolour Painting on paper

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

The idea of this abstract landscape came in my mind when I was just roaming on the beautiful Yarada Beach in Andhra Pradesh near Visakhapatnam. I have mentioned in my previous post that I have recently toured Visakhapatnam , Rushikonda,Yarada beach,Shimachalam, Bheemlipatnam and other beautiful places in Andhra Pradesh . 

Yarada Beach is one of the beautiful beach I have ever seen in my life. Perfect spot for open air painting. The beach is very lonely .Surrounded by blue hills and coconut trees.The view of  Bay of  Bengal is awesome  from the Yarada Beach. Next time when I will visit Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu,Karnataka, Kerela 

Village Huts

Watercolour paintings on paper (11" x 7")

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Completed this work last night. I have painted here a  typical village scene . Wet on wet method has been applied in the backgound of the huts. 

Simhachalam Hill bus terminus, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Painting on paper

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

Recently I visited  Visakhapatnam for an art related project. The tour was really unforgettable. The place is really nice for open air painting. I have visited Rusikonda, Bheemli, Simhachalam Hill,Lord Varaha Narasimha Swami's Temple, Ross Hill,Yarada village,Yarada Beach,Kailasagiri Hill,Tennati Park,VUDA Park,R.K.Beach, Light House,Dolphine Nose Point, Hindustan Ship Yard,Araku Valley and many other places. The weather was perfect for the tour. The people here are very well mannered ,helpful,disciplined and hardworking. APSRTC bus services are one of the best bus services I have ever seen in my life. 

The view of Bay of Bengal from R.K.Beach,Rushikonda,Yarada Beach and Bheemli is breathtaking. Visakhapatnam Railway station is also very beautiful and well maintained. I reached VIZAG  by Chennai -Santragachi AC Bi-weekly Super Fast Express. Visakhapatnam 

city is surrounded by small and big hills. I caught the bus 900k from APSRTC bus terminus for Bheemli. The tour was a majestic one. The bus runs through the Beach road for an hour. On the way you can view the hills of Kailasagiri,Rushikonda and Bay of Bengal simultaneously. 

Visakhapatnam or Vizag is really a paradise on earth. You can find here lakes,cool beaches,vallies,caves,rivers,forests,parks,big ships,light houses,mountain ranges,sanctuary,mountain railway (Visakhapatnam to Kirandul ) ,museums and many other interesting things. 

Way to the hill top

© Shubhankar  Adhikari

Paintings on paper 

In northern part of the West Bengal we can find these types of  wooden houses. They are the feast for the eyes. Every time when I visit these beautiful places I can't prevent myself from sketching,drawing and painting. Really these places are the  constant inspiration for my creative journey. 

Wishing you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year 2014

Wishing all my friends,followers,fans,students and well wishers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2014. Thanks for your continuous appreciation and support. 

Naturescape

© 2013  Shubhankar  Adhikari 

Watercolour painting on paper (11" x 7" )

Sharing a very recent work with you.This is the last post for the year 2013.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014 (in advance). May this festival of joy bring peace,health,prosperity,creativity and happiness .................:)

Rural Bengal - a village scene near Bolpur, Birbhum

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

watercolour painting on paper ( 11" x 14")

Last week I went to  Bolpur,Shantiniketan . The place is really nice and green. I visited 

Sonajhuri forest ,Kopai river, Vishwabharati University campus and other places. 

The tour was  a memorable one. I noticed this  beautiful village scene from the train . I captured it into my camera. Later I transformed it into a painting. 

Cityscape

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

watercolour art on paper

Travelling is great stimulus for my creative journey and I have been fortunate enough visiting various parts of India. My passion for my art and my love for the wonderful medium of watercolour is revealed through my varied subject matter. I always like to capture the mood and atmosphere of the city I visit through my paintings.

Hill Townscape - watercolour and pen on paper

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 2013

watercolour painting on paper 

My watercolour art is not merely a translation of what I see, but a depiction of  how I want to view the world . I love to work from life ,photographs and imagination. Working with this incredibly versatile medium, I always remain very careful about choosing my tools . To gain some real enjoyment of artistic expression you should be serious about selecting your working materials. A serious relationship with your working tools can really give you the pure joy of artistic expression in the long run

Watercolour Landscape - Dooars - Jalpaiguri ,North Bengal

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 2013

Watercolour painting on paper 

size -11" x 14"

Completed this artwork yesterday. This is a place near Chapramari ,Jalpaiguri,West Bengal. While passing through the forest of Chapramari, I noticed this place. Though the place is not exactly what I have painted here. I have used my imagination to bring some difference.

Watercolour Landscape

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 2013

Watercolour painting on paper ( 11" x 14")

Entrance of a Palatial Building

© Shubhankar  Adhikari  ( 2013)

Watercolour and pen on paper

Sharing  my recent work which is based on watercolour and pen.  

Landscape in watercolour

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

watercolour painting on paper

Sharing a painting from "Rural Bengal series" .I made this art work in the month of may 2013.

Cloud-clad Mountain

© Shubhankar  Adhikari ( 2013)

watercolour painting on paper (11" x 14")

Wet on wet method has been applied here. Though the paper was not very supportive ( not a handmade paper ). It is a kind of speed- painting. 

Watercolour landscape

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

watercolour painting on paper (11" x 7")

Sharing a painting  which I produced last year. 

Dilapidated House - a semi-abstract approach

© Shubhankar  Adhikari (Artist ) 2013

Watercolour and Ink on paper

Happy to share  this painting with you, which I have created two months ago. Dilapidated or abandoned houses are my favourite subject to paint. I often get nostalgic visiting those houses. Here I have used watercolour ,Indian ink and pen on paper. 

Living with woods

© Shubhankar  Adhikari (Artist ) 2013

pen and watercolour on paper

Living with Peace and Tranquility

© Shubhankar  Adhikari (Artist )

watercolour painting on paper 

Just completed this painting and sharing with you instantly. Thanks to internet.I observed this beautiful house in North Bengal while touring. The wooden houses in North Bengal always inspire me to paint. 

Wooden house

© Shubhankar  Adhikari (Artist ) 2013

watercolour painting on paper (7" x 11" )

Often I like to paint  a simple composition like this. Last time when I visited North Bengal , I noticed various kinds of wooden houses beautifully coloured and maintained by the local people. Each one is different from the other. I always love to paint them. Here I am sharing a painting with you.

Still Life

© Shubhankar  Adhikari 

watercolour painting on handmade paper

I completed this painting last night in my studio . I am happy with the outcome.The paper was Indian handmade paper. I allowed the pigments to mix with another. Wet on wet approach was applied in this work.

Rural Indian Landscape

© Shubhankar  Adhikari (Artist )

watercolour painting on handmade paper

Heritage townscape from my sketch book

© Shubhankar Adhikari

pen on paper

Happy to share  a speed sketch from my sketch book. 

Experimental Abstract Landscape

© Shubhankar Adhikari (Artist )

watercolour painting on paper

Rural India - Landscape near Kandra ,Jharkhand

© Shubhankar  Adhikari  (Artist )

Watercolour painting on paper

size -8' x 11'

This is a painting ,which I have  done  after my recent trip to Jharkhand .I noticed this beautiful village scene sitting in the train compartment. The train was then just entering the Kandra Junction ,Jharkand. I was enthralled by the beauty of the nature in Jharkhand. Peace and serenity were prevailing everywhere. I drew a cyclist to keep the painting more lively. Chandil is very near from Kandra Junction.

On a clear day

© Shubhankar Adhikari (Artist)

Title - On a clear day

watercolour painting on paper

Sharing  my another painting from North Bengal series. It was a perfectly clear day. Sun was in full swing in Jhalong and Bindu. I noticed this beautiful wooden house on the way to Bindu . I took a snap and later I painted this in my studio.

Life on river Ganges

  
 © Shubhankar Adhikari (Artist)

Title - Life on river Ganges

watercolour and pen on paper

Sharing a  painting from my River life series. 

Watercolour abstract

© Shubhankar Adhikari

Watercolour on paper

This is a watercolour abstract miniature painting made by me several months back. 

My Solo Exhibition in Chicago - successfully ended last month

My painting "Sitar" has been used in the main promo for the Art show.

My solo art show 'Creative impulse ....from Bengal" at University of Chicago just ended last friday on 15th june. It was organised and sponsored by University of Chicago's Committee on Southern Asian Stusies (COSAS). It is a great honour for me because world's one of the best educational institution has chosen me for their COSAS Spring quarter Art Exhibition 2012 to exhbit my 15 artworks based on giclee print in Foster hall.

To know more about event you can click on the links given below

http://event.uchicago.edu/maincampus/detail.php?guid=CAL-402882f8-3635a68e-0136-377d5a5e-00000082eventscalendar@uchicago.edu

http://southasia.uchicago.edu/highlights/2011-2012/033012-Adhikari.shtml

The visitors are viewing my paintings at Foster Hall ,University of Chicago, 

COSAS's Spring quarter Art Exhibition 2012 "Creative impulse ..........from Bengal"

Way back from Mirik, Darjeeling

© Shubhankar Adhikari 

Title : Way back from Mirik

Watercolor painting on paper

North Bengal is the treasure trove for the nature lovers.We can find here the lush green tea gardens,rocky rivers,beautiful cottages,forests,wild lives,hills,mountains and beautiful people.While returning from Mirik I noticed this beautiful place. I instantly decided that I should paint this scene beautiful later in my studio .I kept my words and completed the painting last week.

Indian Hill Beauty -BINDU, North Bengal, Watercolour

© Shubhankar Adhikari

Watercolor on paper

SITAR

© SHUBHANKAR  ADHIKARI

watercolour painting on handmade paper

Sitar is a world famous Indian classical musical instrument.It is an acoustic instrument. As a Fine Artist and also as a performing Classical Sitar Artiste I have a deep love for this beautiful instrument.  When I  do my fine art  works in my studio I often like to listen  a classical sitar recital of my own or other artists in  cd player. This helps to enhance my creative energy and also motivates me to create more.

This is a semi-abstract watercolour painting on sitar  created by me last year. 

JHALONG , A beautiful Indian Hill-village, North Bengal ,Dooars,Watercolour painting

© SHUBHANKAR  ADHIKARI
Jhalong
watercolour painting on paper 

This is my recent  watercolour painting onJhalong , a beautiful small hill-village in north bengal ,dooars region. I was inspired by the natural beauty of this region.

My ongoing Solo Exhibition at Foster Hall , University of Chicago

University of Chicago's Committee on Southern Asian Studies has organised the Spring quarter Art Exhibition "Creative Impulse from Bengal "showcasing 15 artworks of mine based on lively giclee print at Foster Hall, University of Chicago,Illinois,U.S.A. Here in this image you can see( from left to right) my paintings  named "Rural Bengal", "Conflict", "Sea Dreams", "My Bhutan Memories" and "Tranquil Nature". I will try to share  the other 10 artworks from the show in my next post.

COSAS Spring quarter Art exhibition " Creative impulse.... from Bengal" showcasing my 15 paintings based on prints at Foster Hall, University of Chicago

" Creative impulse.... from Bengal"

University of Chicago's Committee on Southern Asian Studies(COSAS) showcasing my 15 paintings based on lively giclee prints in their  Spring quarter Art exhibition at Foster Hall .This exhibition is fully sponsored by COSAS. 

Opening Reception Friday March 30th 3:00pm-5:00pm Foster Hall, Room 103 1130 East 59th Street, Chicago

Viewing Hours March 30-June 15 Fridays, 3:00-5:00PM Foster Hall, Room 103, 1130 East 59th Street, Chicago

A Lonely Hut - watercolour

© Shubhankar Adhikari

Watercolour Creation on paper

Bishnupur, Bankura District,West Bengal ,India

  

© Shubhankar Adhikari

Watercolour on paper

This painting was made by me recently inspired by the architecture of Bishnupur .Bishnupur is famous for its terracotta temples. Apart from being a heritage city is also the manufacturer of one of the most expensive saris in India. These Saris are created by the artistic craftsmen of this city. When I visited the city I was completely spellbound by its beauty and rich cultural heritage. I painted this beautiful   temple I visited there. 

Watch Tower

© Shubhankar Adhikari

watercolor on paper 

"Watch Tower"