Best morning of 2007

This weekend Gina and I, along with three of our friends who work in Bombay (Mikey, Kristine and Thom), went hiking in the Sahyadris. We went to the top of Rajgadh fort, around 70 kms away from Pune, which used to be a favourite destination of mine at one time, but which has gotten to be a little too crowded for a hiking spot now. However, we were lucky that we camped out in the open on the top level of the fort (on a small plateau known as Bale Killa) which doesn't have any form of shelter, so we were alone there at night. It was one of the best times I have spent recently. We lit a camp fire and listened to fine Austrian music (courtesy Mikey) while we ate and talked.

I woke up the next morning to witness the best sunrise of 2007 which, being loyal to my dear readers in that very special way that I am, I caught on camera for you; I hope that you will enjoy it as much as we did. It was truly worth the three hours of climbing in the scorching heat (carrying sleeping bags, tents, food and water in our backpacks) that we had to undergo.




Adios.

Miles

It happened tonight! After a long time, I was able to sketch something which I felt like sharing. I came home after a long day, a long week, watched a little "American Idol" on the box but felt like doing something more fruitful with my time. So I booted my laptop to run Windows and started sketching. For a while I could not find anything to draw, so I ended up making numerous doodles which I did not save. Finally, I decided to draw a portrait, which is probably my favourite art form. After going through a lot of material looking for a good picture, I settled for two: the picture on the back of a Stevie Ray Vaughan CD (which totally kicks butt, though is very tough to draw, especially since I have not completely got used to the tablet) and the cover picture of Miles Davis playing on the album "Kind of Blue" (which, personally, I like better than "Bitches Brew" which I find too electronic). Anyway, we digress. I decided to give Miles a try. I first started with the pencil sketch mode, but that is better suited for pictures with sharp shadows and higher contrast. Then I tried charcoal mode, but could not get the feel for it. Finally, I decided to try the air brush mode and it worked wonders for this particular picture.

When I was in college, I used to borrow books about graphic art and design from the library to read and copy from during summer vacations. I think it was the summer of 1994 when I first came across an illustration done completely using an air brush and fell instantly in love with the concept. I tried getting my hands on an actual air brush many times after that but could not find anything which I like (or could afford at that time). That's why I was very pleased today to find that I could actually control and conceive the drawing very well using the air brush mode on the tablet.

Anyway, without further elaboration, here is my tribute to one of my favourite Jazz musicians. Dear readers, here's Miles:



As usual, comments and criticism are welcome. Let me know if you like the drawing, and let me know if you don't.

Good weekend to you all, except, of course, to those who owe me money (may you choke on a piece of chicken).