inspiration....

Krishna frolics with the Gopi girls (detail), folio 2 from the Krishna Lila, Jodhpur, c. 1765; 63.5 x 136.5 cm. © Mehrangarh Museum Trust

During the week, Maggie and I took Grace up to London.Our destination was the British Museum to see the exhibition, 'Garden and Cosmos- The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur' .
Grace played sweet baby and fell asleep almost as soon as we entered the gallery which meant that not only could I take my time and actually look at the paintings- I was also able to do a little bit of sketching. The paintings were simply amazing- beautiful meticulous detail and vivid shimmering colour. I was especially inspired by the intricately rendered trees and plants.

Most of my sketches were an attempt to capture a little of the detail to that later I could attempt to recreate a little garden of my own.
I did buy the catalogue from the exhibition -however I find that sketching from the actual artworks helps me to appreciate and remember the details so much more than if I just work from an image.

Here is my first tree based on some of the sketches I made. No colour yet - just my favourite black super fine pigment liner.

Comments

[monica]

simply beautiful!

[Di]

I love the tree!! It sounds like you had a great trip to the big city and great that Grace slept!

I guess it'll soon be summer holidays and time for all the family to enjoy!

[Megan]

Oh my - that tree is truly gorgeous.

[Shireen]

Lovely tree! I love those tiny jewel-like houses too that you sketched a while back.

[babelfish]

A beautiful painting and lovely sketches, can't wait to see your own little garden.

[macati]

it's already wonderful in black and white!!!!

[jessica]

me too i like it in black and white. what a lovely tree. oh how sweet that you're little one rested so you can sketch.

[Norma]

Beautiful tree!!!