Featured on Youtube by Arts Angle

Happy to share that Dr Tara Kashyap PhD- Indian Art Historian and Writer has featured me on herArts Angle youtube channel  . Many thanks to Dr Tara Kashyap who has conceptualized this. Looking forward to part 2 of this concept.

Can watch this on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EQQCkyQiB/

Follow me on facebook to be keep updated on my art journey 

at 

https://www.facebook.com/usha.shantharam

Guest at online Art Show - Random Expressions

 

Painting of Sridevi - Sridevi shares my painting of her - on ETV Telugu channel

Sricevi has been an actor par excellence. Being an ardent fan of her, I had done a painting of her which seems to have somehow come to her notice- thanks to the internet. I felt humbled and rewarded when I saw her share an image of that painting on ETV Telugu as one of her 3 favorite paintings. 
I had written about it in this blog 4 years back in 2014, and am sharing it again in memory of my favorite actor Sridevi. 

It goes like this ---




I feel very elated and happy to share the ETV Telugu episode of 'Soundarya Lahiri' show wherein Actor Sridevi shares fer favourite 3 paintings. One amongst them is a  painting I did of her inspired by the very popular scene in the movie Mr. India.The scene shows a song number called 'I Love You' in which Sridevi  performs a scintillating dance wearing a translucent blue saree which has left many a heart fluttering. The other 2 paintings she has shared being - one of her own creation, and another done by actor Salman Khan which was presented to her. Wow!!! To be one amongst them!

Although my name is not mentioned anywhere (because they don't know me) it is heartwarming to know that  Actor Sridevi has liked it enough to share it on the popular ETV Telugu channel. During the show, my painting is shown a second time, when popular director Ram Gopal Varma comments on my painting saying that he likes the 'photo of the girl better' -  he thought my painting was a photo !!!! :))

A short clip of the program Soundarya Lahiri where actor Sridevi shares my painting on ETV Telugu channel

To watch the whole episode copy and pastie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YDrLJ8RCPg       in your browser and watch this clip from 17.5 mn onwards. 

Sridevi

acrylic painting on canvas

size: 16x12 inches

Click on image to purchase a print of this painting.

'Namma Bengaluru Habba' Festival at Sankey Tank Bengaluru

So happy to be a part of the upcoming 'Namma Bengaluru Habba' Festival to be held on Sunday 20th August 2017 at the famed Sankey Tank of Bengaluru. Organized by the tourism department, it is a green initiative that will be creating awareness about environment preservation.

If you happen to be around don't miss this festival and do visit my stall in which I will be displaying my 'Landscape Paintings' which are mostly inspired by our 'Lal Bagh' Park. Some are framed paintings and some are not yet framed as they are newly created paintings, and I have not had the time to even mount them at the least. As a result, all these paintings will be available at very reasonable prices for the benefit of the Collectors.

Here is a sneak peek into some of my paintings that will be displayed at the Namma Bengaluru Habba.

Bamboo Blues

acrylic on canvas

9x12 inches

In the Shade

acrylic on canvas

9x12 inches

Reflections in purple

acrylic on canvas

9x12 inches

Coconut Que

acrylic on canvas

9x12 inches

BLACK AND WHITE - my upcoming group art show at Venkatappa Art Gallery Bengaluru

Up coming is my group art show called 'Black and White', organized by Akanksha, curated by artist Shyamala Ramanand, to be held at Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru. Below is the Invitation to the show, in which 50 artists will be taking part in two batches.

My contribution consists of 2 large paintings that I did of the Lal Bagh Lake with its reflections. As this is a themed art show, I was limited to using only the colors black and white for the paintings. I decided to use palette knives instead of brushes this time. Large blobs of paint applied with a palette knife tends to leave beautiful impasto impressions, that gives a raised effect, and the strokes can be felt by running the fingers on the canvas.  My paintings will be displayed in the second batch which starts on 19th October 2016 through 23rd October 2016.

My thoughts - The Lal Bagh park of Bengaluru continues to be a never ending source of inspiration for my paintings, and this time I had the opportunity to visualize the beautiful park in black and white. I learnt this time that colors are an extension of beauty, while the true essence of nature lies in the simplicity of its hidden shapes and designs.

If you happen to be at Bangalore, don't miss this opportunity to view  these beautiful black and white paintings by 50 artists.

Usha's Fine Art Creations - One of the Top 14 Socially Active Art Blogs of India

Baggout.com recently conducted a research on the net for the best Art Blogs of India that were most active and visited. They came up with a list of art blogs based on certain norms and decided to award them with a badge for 'The Top 14 Socially Active Art Blogs of India.  

I was very happy when they informed me that my art blog 'Usha's Fine Art Creations' featured in their top 14 art blog list, and awarded me this badge.
I was very pleasantly surprised when I found that my art blog featured as third most socially visited art blog in India according to their research.

I wish to thank 'Baggout.com' for awarding me this badge.

Please Click on Baggout.com to view the Top 14 Socially Active Art Blogs of India.

Reves Art Workshop on 'How to paint a still life in acrylics'

I was thrilled when fellow artist and good friend Mrs Rajini Rekha - the proud owner of her own new Art Gallery --'Reve's Art Gallery', requested me to conduct an art workshop, that would be the first activity at her premises. I agreed gladly, and the art workshop on 'Learn to paint a still life in acrylics' took place on the 13th and 14th Dec 2014 at Reves Art Galley.

It was a first time for me too, as I was conducting a workshop for the first time. My previous experience in having conducted regular weekend art class was greatly helpful. What would have taken place in an eight class session had to be imparted in just 2 days, and that was a great challenge to me.

I was pleasantly surprised at the 10 cheerful participants (limited), who were ever so eager and highly absorbent of what ever was imparted, in such a short time. It was a mixed group including IT professionals, doctor, professor, home maker, architect and a even a couple of students from the 7th and 9th grade. They were indeed happy to take back home a self-done, and fully completed still life painting ready to be framed and displayed in their homes. 

Thanks to Mrs Rajini Rekha garu for the lovely experience and the wonderful arrangements including the nourishment that was provided to all, which I enjoyed along with all the participants. 

Actor Sridevi shares my painting 'Sridevi' on National TV - ETV Telugu channel

I feel very elated and happy to share the ETV Telugu episode of 'Soundarya Lahiri' show wherein Actor Sridevi shares fer favourite 3 paintings. One amongst them is a  painting I did of her inspired by the very popular scene in the movie Mr. India.The scene shows a song number called 'I Love You' in which Sridevi  performs a scintillating dance wearing a translucent blue saree which has left many a heart fluttering. The other 2 paintings she has shared being - one of her own creation, and another done by actor Salman Khan which was presented to her. Wow!!! To be one amongst them!

Although my name is not mentioned anywhere (because they don't know me) it is heartwarming to know that  Actor Sridevi has liked it enough to share it on the popular ETV Telugu channel. During the show, my painting is shown a second time, when popular director Ram Gopal Varma comments on my painting saying that he likes the 'photo of the girl better' -  he thought my painting was a photo !!!! :))

A short clip of the program Soundarya Lahiri where actor Sridevi shares my painting on ETV Telugu channel

To watch the whole episode copy and pastie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YDrLJ8RCPg       in your browser and watch this clip from 17.5 mn onwards. 

Sridevi

acrylic painting on canvas

size: 16x12 inches

Click on image to purchase a print of this painting.

Reves Art Workshop

Good friend and fellow artist Mrs Rajini Rekha is organizing a weekend workshop at her newly opened  'Reves Art Gallery', wherein I will be sharing some easy steps for creating a beautiful, still-life acrylic painting with 10 participants. The participants will not be required to bring any materials, as all is provided at the gallery, and will be carrying home a beautiful still life painting done by them, ready to be framed and displayed in their Drawing room or dining room.

If you happen to be at Bengaluru during that weekend and also wish to learn some acrylic painting techniques, then this is for you. For registration contact Mrs Rajini Rekha (details given below).

My painting Shree420 - featured in the article - 'Poster Art' in Elle India - April 2014 issue

Nice article on ELLE India about Poster Art - by Ayushi Thapliyal in their April 2014 issue. So much said in just a paragraph.

Also happy to see my artwork 'Shree 420' featured in this issue. Click here to view the 

article - http://elle.in/lifestyle/decor/quick-fix-poster-art/

http://elle.in/lifestyle/decor/quick-fix-poster-art/

http://elle.in/lifestyle/decor/quick-fix-poster-art/

Featured on 'Indian Talent Magazine'- Usha Shantharam

Really so happy to share Indian Talent Magazine , where they have featured so many upcoming Indian contemporary artists. I thank them for their request to feature me in their January 2014 issue - pages 60-61 of the magazine.  Good feeling.  

Past issues of this magazine are no longer available online, but kept in their archives. Hence, click HERE to view my profile as a featured artist in the online archives of 'Indian Talent Magazine'.

The write up

Index page

Cover page

Thrilled to be on 'BBC World News Hangout' - What makes Art Iconic - discussion with BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz

I was so thrilled on 5th June 2013 afternoon, when I received a call from London - BBC News worldwide - inviting me to take part in a discussion on 'What makes Art iconic' on BBC News Hangout.  I could not believe at first that the famous British Broadcast journalist/producer Benjamin Zand was speaking to me on the phone. I thought at first that someone was playing a prank, but I am really happy now that I had decided to hear him out.

What a lovely topic. 'What makes Art Iconic' was hosted by the famous BBC Art editor Will Gompertz. Five artists from various parts of the world had been chosen, and I was selected from India!!!

I was hoping that my internet connection would not let me down during the Hangout, as it is erratic here sometimes.  At 6.30 pm the hangout had started, and my mic let me down. I could not take part in the first 20 min of the program. Luckily I was heard from the 23rd min onwards.

You can hear my comments on - What makes Art "iconic" at the 23rd min onwards. Also about whether artwork by women artists are valued lesser that their men counterparts was discussed, and you can watch   my views on this at 30min onwards.  The whole program was completed in 38 minutes time.

It was a wonderful experience to be discussing - 'What makes art iconic' with four other illustrious artists from around the world,  and the program hosted by none other than Will Gompertz - BBC Arts Editor, and Benjamin Zand - producer/BJ at BBC World. 

Note that Mr. Benjamin Zand has described my painting called 'Mahishaasura Mardini' (in the background behind me) as ' Wonderful piece of Art' at 14.30 min.  

My day was made, and I will remember this day forever. 

Marigold painting - Potted Bounty - in Rebecca Tripp music video.

Amazing Marigold Artwork and Waltz of the Marigolds by Rebecca Tripp

My painting 'Potted Bounty' can be viewed at 2.48 min.

Once again Rebecca Tripp - freelance music composer from British Columbia - Canada has created cheerful and happy 'Flower art music'. The chirping of birds in the background gives the feeling of sitting in a garden chair and enjoying the music of the 'Marigolds'.

This time her inspiration has been 'Marigold paintings' by artists all over the world. It is my pleasure to say that my painting called 'Potted Bounty' contributed to her inspiration ( in its own small way) for producing such peaceful and chirpy music. 

Potted Bounty

Marigold painting

acrylic on canvas

size 12x26 inches

Rebecca Tripp's Flower Waltz and Gladiolus Paintings -Usha Shantharam

Rebecca Tripp from British Columbia is a composer of wonderfully lilting music that creates a feeling of peace and calm in the mind. In her music project called 'Flower Waltzes' she has featured slide-show presentations of 'Flower paintings' by artists world over who have inspired her. 

I am happy to acknowledge that she has used a flower painting that I had done of 'White Gladiolus flowers', in her wonderfully soothing music video. 

Amazing artwork and

Waltz of the Delphinium Gladiolus and Hollihocks

"White Gladiolus Flowers' painting can be seen at 5.35 min, about the fourth last painting in the video.  

This painting is now in the private collection of an Art Collector from Pune. 

Winners of 'Your 3000 or more viewed artwork' competition in Fine Art America.

Congratulations to the winners of the competition called ' Your 3000 or more viewed artwork' .  This is a competition I created on   Fine Art America,   which is a wonderful place for artists the world over to display their artworks.  Artists who display on this site receive views for their artworks, and the number of times they have been viewed is displayed on each one of the artworks.

This competition was a challenge to talented artists the world over, who had created wonderful artwork and are already winners, as they had received more than 3000 visits to their artworks.

I did have my doubt as to how many of them could be out there who had received that many visits for their artworks, but I was pleasantly surprised as more than 35 artists took part, with some of them submitting even 5 entries.

The competition went through a period of 2 weeks, and attracted 95 entries by very talented artists, some of them having received even more than 10000 views.

We members of the FAA voted for the best of the best and finally saw 3 winning entries by the following extremely talented artists of FAA. 

The first place was won by artist Jeanne Newton Schoborg for her artwork called ‘Work in progress V ‘. This painting has received a whopping 11,031 visits and not surprisingly she has won the first spot in this competition.   Known for her horse paintings, she is a widely travelled artist who lives and teaches art in Eldora IA United States.  Click HERE  to view the winning artwork entry. 

The second place was won by artist Karen Wiles   from Hampstead NC United States for her artwork called ‘ Tranquility This painting has received   visits.  Karen’s artworks are like a breath of fresh air and calming to the mind in a world of glamour, noise and stress.  Click HERE to view the winning entry.  

The third spot was won by Michael Durst   from Cape Town – South Africa, for his artwork called ‘Lavender Fields’.  This painting has been viewed more than 7000 times on FAA.  A Doctor by profession, he is a psychologist, and not surprisingly he certainly knows how to capture the viewer's hearts through his artworks.  His artworks are relaxing and healing to the heart and are called ‘Heartscapes’.  Click HERE to view the winning entry.  


The following were my own submissions for the contest called' Your 3000 or more viewed artworks on FAA'.

Women in Sarees

3653 views

Woman in Saree

Inspired by Raja Ravi Varma's painting

5164 views

The Indian Genneri Flowers

Pretty flowers   

3315 views

Portrait of a Jasmine

3166 views

 

THANKS

The last couple of months have been over whelming for me, as acknowledgement have been coming in from various branches of the art world, including bloggers, site owners, online magazines, and fellow artists as well.  As an artist, I feel blessed, and wish to thank all of them for their kindness.

Bridal Wear

'SPARK' is a non-commercial online magazine which featured my artwork in their July issue.  Two paintings namely ''Bridal Wear' and 'Portrait of a bride' made way into their pages under the caption of 'Tying the Knot'.

Click  HERE to read the article.
Click on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spark/240605447679?sk=wall to become a fan of  'Spark' on facebook.

Smile Plz

   Scarlet canvas is an online art community that helps artists to pursue their passions without the tensions of finding potential buyers for their artwork.  I feel honored to be chosen by them and even allotted a webpage dedicated to my artworks.

Click on http://www.scarletcanvas.com/usha-shantaram.html to view the page.  
Click on  http://www.facebook.com/scarletcanvas  to become a fan of Scarlet canvas on facebook.  

Creative Blogger Award

Thanks to Anandi Rajan a wonderful arts and crafts specialist who has kindly presented me with a 'Kreative Blogger' award.  Her creativitly shines through in her artworks that range from murals to jewellery, paintings, pencil shading, e-cards, and gardening ideas.  Click on http://www.anandhirajansartsncrafts.blogspot.com/ to view her creativity in all these fields.




As this is a rolling trophy, it is my pleasure to pass the award on to artist Prabha Narayan.  Prabha Narayan a  self-taught artist based in Bangalore, India. Her fascination towards illustrations started in school while nurturing a passion in art. In the past decade, she did graphic designing in Mumbai & Bangalore. She has been actively painting for two years.  Click on http://prabhanarayanan.blogspot.com/ to view her blog, and on http://www.prabhanarayanan.com/index.htm to view her website.


Lastly but not the least, thanks to Prince Freakasso who awarded me with a 'Super Creative' award on facebook.  He is a fine artist himself, and you can click on http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000332917180  to view his profile and artworks on facebook.

Invitation to 'THE DRAWING ROOM MUSINGS' group art show

You are invited 

Click on 'THE DRAWING ROOM MUSINGS'  to view the paintings displayed at the show. 

Usha's Fine Art Creations - blog features in about.com

I am very pleased to annouce that my response to about.com's call for readers submissions  in their -   Online business/hosting section, has been selected and published in their site about.com  .    Click  HERE  to read the article. 

Recently about.com had called for readers submissions regarding blogging for business, where they asked to write about how I got to setup a blog and what topics I cover in it and also the lessons I have learnt through blogging till now.  All these topics are covered in this article.  You can read about my experience as a blogger HERE . 



In the meantime, my students and I are busy getting ready for our upcoming show in Chitra Kala Parishad starting 16th May 2011 to 255h May 2011.  

From now onwards my future  posts will be dedicated to featuring each one of my art students - (all soft ware proffesssionals :)-  ), who will be taking part in the forthcoming show.  It is a great way to get knowing these budding young artists who are amazingly creative and talented.  


Here is one for the road - below is one of my paintings which will be exhibited at our May 2011 group show.  -

       'Sunlight Peeping' 30"x24" inches - oil painting on canvas.

My next Exhibition scheduled for a mid May release.

                                 'Shadows at Noon'  - size- 24x30 inch

In reply to the many mails I have received regarding my recent break in blogging - here is great news and I am very very excited about it.    Dates for my next exhibition has been scheduled for a mid May release.  Starting 16th of May 2011, through 25th May 2011 at the 'Chitra Kala Parishad' Bangalore.

It is going to be a group show which will showcase fine artworks of my students of art.  All of my students happen to be software proffesionals which makes it even more exciting. Obviously they are all extrememly talented in more ways than one.

A few of my paintings too will be finding their place here and there I think.  My students are all so excited about the exhibition  -  just like I am!  You can look forward to more soon. 

Displayed above is a sample teaser painting for you.  - An Indian Landscape  ( Lal Bagh of Bangalore - a plein air painting )  done in  Impressionist style.

Hot Deals - painting is featured on 'Impressionism Cafe' group home page - on Fine Art America website

HOT DEALS

I was immensely happy to know that my artwork 'Hot Deals' has been featured on the home page of  'Impressionism Cafe'  Group  on Fine Art America website.   

Thanks to Karon Mellilo de la Vega - the group administrator who has chosen my artwork 'Hot Deals' and a few other artworks by talented artists -  among thousands of submitted Impressionist artworks.   Now I have a permanent feature in the discussion forum topic ' Impression Cafe Featured Artists - 12th Sept 2010.