Kottivakkam Beach

[Balaji]

I decided to end 2025 with an on-location sketch. This is a 8.5" x 5.5" ink and wash sketch.

While my wife decided to get closer to her subject, I sat next to where my car was parked and made my line sketch. A few young kids from the nearby fishing village were curious and supervised my activity, asking a number of questions. One of them was so young that I could not even make out what he was saying.

Once the basic sketch was over, I sat in my car and added the washes. My wife, as usual, completed her sketch very quickly, and was ready to go home. I therefore came home and completed the last layer.

A Very Happy New Year to all of you at CreativeSpark.

 

[Joy]

Balaji, what a wonderful start to the year! I really enjoy the freshness, subtle colors, and the figures that give it "life". How nice that your wife shares your interest. Her work would be most welcome here!

 

[Balaji]

Thank you Joy.

I passed on your "invitation' to my wife. She was touched. But I think that it is unlikely that she will sign up. She is on Facebook but, at least so far, she has shied away from all other social networks and online art communities.

 

[Masse]

Thank you Joy.

I passed on your "invitation' to my wife. She was touched. But I think that it is unlikely that she will sign up. She is on Facebook but, at least so far, she has shied away from all other social networks and online art communities.

Wise woman.

 

[Balaji]

Wise woman.

Masse...My wife is a wise woman, but in my opinion, she isn't in this particular stand.

It is how we use social media and participation in online art communities that determines our experience on them.

I have been using both for many years and, not only has my experience been very enjoyable, I have also learnt so much by observing the work of others and by interacting with many of them.

 

[Masse]

she isn't in this particular stand.

Why’s that?

 

[Balaji]

Why’s that?

Because, by taking such a rigid stand, she is denying herself to the opportunity to learn and to make friends with people from all over the world with common interests.
I know that I have learnt immensely by being part of art communities and learning from their resources. Much of these resources come free. Even when an art community expects you to pay for lessons, they do offer some free lessons. And this is not to mention the amount of knowledge sharing that happens from members through their kindness and generosity.

 

[Joy]

Because, by taking such a rigid stand, she is denying herself to the opportunity to learn and to make friends with people from all over the world with common interests.
I know that I have learnt immensely by being part of art communities and learning from their resources. Much of these resources come free. Even when an art community expects you to pay for lessons, they do offer some free lessons. And this is not to mention the amount of knowledge sharing that happens from members through their kindness and generosity.

I have learned so much from special interest forums, including CS. Due to privacy concerns and possible misinformation, I am not on FB. The format on forums is more to my preference. Since I grew up in a time before the internet, I am still amazed and thrilled on a daily basis that we (as a global society) can interact with those from other countries and cultures. As you, I am so grateful for the plethora of free information available on YT, many free streaming channels, and the offerings of libraries of which many are unaware.. It has really added to my quality of life in so many areas - art, travel, and household repairs!

 

[Jo Castillo]

This is gorgeous and so fresh. Pass greetings to your wife.

 

[Balaji]

Thank you Jo, and yes...I will.