The Urban Sketchers Bengaluru meet in the first week of August was all about automobile repair shops. We met across Urvashi Theater. A relic from the single screen theater era, this theater was famous for its great sound system. K. C. Nanjunde Gowda, a film producer and prominent businessman of Karnataka, constructed it during the 1970s. Before multiplexes became popular, this was a hep place where college students would hang-out. We walked along the Siddhaih Road and found a nook where we could gather and sketch. The turnout was very good with some newcomers and a guest from Portugal. We also had a few goats who ambled around quite comfortable being sketched! I…
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Celebrating Indian Handloom Day
The Amlan Store, of Orissa Cooperative Tasar and Silk Federation Ltd (SERIFED), has beautiful murals showcasing Orissa handloom. I have inherited my love of handlooms from an aunt, whom I have seen wearing absolutely gorgeous handloom sarees. Every trip home includes a shopping trip with my aunt and uncle to get something handloom. The best pampering! Nowadays, where ever I travel, I try to pick up something handloom as a souvenir. I feel so privileged to live in a country with an endless variety of handlooms. It’s the best cloth to wear. Draped as a saree, designed into a crisp skirt, a striking kurta or a shawl – it is…
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Dust, Noise, and Colors – Urban Sketching at Russell Market
Russell Market was an assault on the senses – there was movement everywhere, a cacophony of colors and shapes, making it impossible to decide what to sketch. I was walking around the Russell Market area in mid-July with my fellow urban sketchers. A cool breeze kept us company, as we walked around looking for sketching points. We met at the auto stand, opposite St. Mary’s Basilica. And walked up to Russel Market. An old, peach-colored building, with Indo-Islamic style turrets and arched windows, greeted us. As I walked in, abundant flower and fruit shops greeted me. The market building also offers pet shops, gardening equipment, dry fruits, toys, groceries, and many other…
