Online Art Gallery AnYahh and Giveaway

"Art washes away from soul the dust of everyday life."

                                                                                      - Pablo Picasso

An artist can relate to this statement very well. But I think even if you aren't an artist or painter, Art does affect the mind and brain of viewers too. Art has a powerful and positive effect on our mind and soul, it awakens and activates the senses, it stimulates the brain. 
Visual arts are like a feast for the eyes.
 Today on my blog, I am featuring an art gallery that is a feast for the eyes in the true sense. Dear readers introducing AnYahh art gallery,  an art gallery that aspires to give each person the privilege to own and appreciate real art. Now if I tell that you too can have an art or painting on very affordable rates, I know you will dance in joy :) Lets have a look of what they have in store for you.

In their own words, "Our goal is to unravel the realms of art to all who desire to aesthetically enhance their lives with art. We assist art lovers in the acquisition of affordable art collectibles and cater to collectors, corporate organizations and clients who require customized work".

AnYahh showcases a diverse selection of contemporary works by emerging artists. You can browse through their gallery and can pick a piece that reflects you.

A picture is worth a thousand words. Choose the Art that fits your home, your style and enhances the look and feel of your abode. A painting not only adds color in the home, but it also boosts the artistic taste. AnYahh offers you the best, whether you are looking for a traditional artwork or a contemporary style painting, or even seeking to customize a piece of art. 

Other than the paintings they have a beautiful collection of home decor and personal accessories. Browse through their 'Art Collectibles' section and you will be tempted to buy all of their collections. 

Giveaway

Now let me share a piece of news. I have recently got featured on the Hindustan Times Estate in a list of top Indian interior design bloggers and I have over 1555 fans on Facebook page now. That calls for celebration isn't it. So in association with AnYahh I would like to give away one of my lucky readers something from AnYahh's mesmerizing collection. 

What you have to do, to enter this giveaway:

Go ahead and check out their entire collection and let me know what you like the most. I will pick the lucky winner randomly. 

Now have a look what I have picked for you. One lucky winner will get any one of these:

1). Jewelry Box

OR

2). Serving Tray

OR

3) Set of Two Mugs & 2 Coasters

                                              With one more art mug 

Hurry readers, giveaway offer will end on 15th Dec. 

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Inspiring Eminent Artist: Vaishali Rastogi

Artist feature on Design Decor & Disha after a long time and trust me you will not believe that artwork done by this artist is actually a 3D quilling. Let me first introduce you to an amazing quilling artist Vaishali Rastogi. She left me speechless, I am really unable to describe her distinct style, intricate work and painstaking process involve in making every piece and hence Vaishali herself is enlightening us about her art.

I am Vaishali Rastogi, a 3D quilling artist. Thank you Disha for featuring me in your blog.
I was born and brought up in Meerut, U.P. and got married in 2013 in Lucknow- city of my present stay. Since childhood I was very fond of arts and crafts. 

It was in my Chartered Accountancy (CA) finals when I realized my passion for handicrafts. Not being much interested in CA, I dropped it and joined one year diploma in arts and crafts from Delhi.

I first saw a Youtube video on quilling while searching for something and got extremely fascinated by it. So,I decided to try it.
My first quilling creation was a 2D Photo Frame here is the image.....

 The second time I tried a 3D form of Kathakali Dancer and this too came out really well. Have a look....

Since then, I keep on striving to explore myself more in this art form. I can share from my experience, that Quilling itself is a time consuming technique. Doing it in 3D with extremely intricate detailing really takes a lot of patience, time, concentration and hard work. I put all my efforts and try to give more than 100% in every project and finalize it only when I am completely satisfied.

Completing a 3D project, like the ones I have made, takes me around 2 months working an average of 5-6 hours daily. Talking about my future endeavors, I want to achieve excellence in 3D quilling and want to see myself as one of the best Quilling artist.

Everyone is invited to visit my Facebook page named “Kagaz Kala Creations by Vaishali”.
You can get in touch with me for any queries and feedback on Facebook or through my e-mail rastogi.vaishali@gmail.com. 

She is truly a blessed artist. I am amazed with her energy and dedication for her work. One more reason to love Handmade. If you also love handmade then don't forget to visit her Facebook page and spread some love by liking her page. 

Catch up with all the other Inspiring Artist featured on 3D Click Here

Coming up next on blog is about a website that is combination of some most surfed websites on internet. Exciting yaa!!

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Inspiring Eminent Artist: Shilpa Singh

                                    It's time again to meet one more inspiring artist here on 3D. I met her during one exhibition, the stall that caught all my attention and I got lost looking at her fabulously done paintings was the stall of this wonderful artist who amazed each and every visitor by her excellent artwork. Please welcome Shilpa Singh, a woman of many talent. Over to Shilpa:

My name is Mrs. Shilpa Singh a homemaker and I do have interest in making Paintings and sketches. I make various kinds of paintings like:
Pencil Sketches where you sketch n shade with the help of pencils. This can be a portrait or any natural scene. Just black and white. 

Madhubani  painting is a style of Indian painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state. Madhubani paintings mostly depict the men & its association with nature and the scenes & deity from the ancient epic.

Orissa Paintings which depicts inspiration behind the Pattachitra Paintings is the beautiful ancient murals painted on the walls of temples.

Kangra Paintings finest art work from Himanchal Pradesh themes of eternal love between Radha and Krishna. Also, Kangra paintings depict the feminine charm in a very graceful manner. Beauty of female with sharp features and colorful dresses with pearl ornaments is the defined beautifully. 

Lastly, Canvas Paintings showing great combinations of color with different figures relating mood and atmosphere. 

Thank you so much Shilpa for sharing with us about your passion. I have seen all her paintings and I must say she is very talented artist on a multitude of levels and truly has an eye for detail. 
Do you like her artwork then leave your comment below or shoot a mail at [shilpa_vimal_singh@yahoo.co.in] and she would be happy to answer your queries. She can create a piece of work especially for you. If you have something in mind just let her know and she will be ready to shape your dreams.
Have you met some more inspiring artists on my blog earlier...no then click here. Enjoy reading about artists and get inspired :)

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Inspiring Eminent Artist: Pooja Ajmera

So it's time again to meet inspiring and talented artist. 

Introducing you to a girl who creates magic with her "Teekhii Chhurii". Readers please welcome Pooja Ajmera, a paper cutting artist and founder of 'Teekhii Chhurii'. You will be amazed to know that she left her corporate career and followed her heart, her passion for art of paper cutting(Sanjhi). 

Warm welcome on 3D Pooja, I am very happy to have you here. We are desperately waiting to know more about you and your artwork.
Thanks for having me here. I am a paper cutting artist who started Teekhii Chhurii, where I create one-of-a-kind artwork.

I haven't come across this kind of art before. Will you please enlighten me on this. 
Paper cutting is an art form which is very slow unlike everything else in today’s world. It requires tons of concentration and patience. The paper is hand cut and designs come to alive. I am also trying to revive a dying art form of India called Sanjhi.

I am glad to know Pooja that you are trying to keep the age old art form alive. Being an artist I can understand that art is a passion for an artist. So when was the first time you came across this art and how it became your passion.
I knew about paper cutting since sometime before starting with Teekhii Chhurii but had never really tried my hands at it. So this one day, when I had to gift a birthday present to my sis-in-law, I thought of creating something unique for her rather than picking just one of the things available at shelf in the stores. I made a papercut out of the design that was there on my bedspread that day and then after finishing it, I created one more design and then one more design and it went on for few days when I realized, this is something which I want to for rest of my life. It was a AH-HA moment for me!

So this is how destiny knocked on your door :)
Share your experience when you finished the very first project, were you completely satisfied with the result, did you find any difficulty cutting the paper in desired shape and pattern for the first time.
When I made my first papercut, I was so happy with it. I was amazed and didn't know I have so much of patience within me. Since it was the first time, of-course it was difficult to cut it as I didn't know the do’s and don’ts of the art. But yes, anything done with love is bound to look great. That art piece adorns the wall of my sis-in-law’s house now.

What are your tools that you use for creating such beautiful master pieces. What are the challenges you face as you work with sharp objects. What are the safety measures you use.
The tools used for paper cutting are very simple. I just use a pencil, a knife, a mat and a single sheet of paper. The only caution to be taken is to be a little careful while using the blade or you might end up cutting your finger.

If you look back at the year when you started paper cutting how long have you come and how has been your journey so far. 
It’s hardly been time, so I can’t really call it a journey but yes, it has been like a ride of roller coaster which was full of ups and downs and I am happy it was that way or else what is the fun when life just goes on a plain road without any turns and hurdles. It has been a good experience so far where I met and interacted with so many good people who cherish the work I do and support and encourage me to move ahead.

True that hurdles in life come to make us even better.
You have created so many wonderful art pieces. Which one is your favorite and why.
All the papercuts I create have a hidden story behind them and hence they are all so close to my heart and sometimes I find it really difficult to let the artwork go. It is extremely hard for me to choose the best one that I made till date because I put my heart and soul in each paper cut I create and only after I am completely satisfied I get them framed.

Other than paper passion what excites you and you love to do in your spare time. 
I love to learn new things. But paper cutting is a very time consuming art form. It requires lots of time to create a single piece. So frankly I am hardly left with time to practice and do different things. As I work on weekends and on all holidays too! I recently learnt tarot card reading and that is taking up all my spare time lately. So sometimes its music, sometimes its jogging or sometimes painting..anything that interests me.

You have some amazing pieces of artwork. Can you share where one can see and buy your artwork. 
As of now, some of my work is there on my facebook page – Teekhii Chhurii. People can message me on facebook or drop a email at pooja@teekhiichhurii.com and the rest will be taken care of.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and I would love if you say a word or two for my readers also.
All I would like to say is, "Dare to dream and follow your passion. There are no substitutes to hard work. Success will come sooner or later".

Thank you Pooja that's a beautiful mantra of successful and happy life. Thanks for taking time out for us and letting us know about this beautiful art form. I wish you a great success ahead!!

Folks have a look of her art work on her Facebook page and you will be spellbound. Leave a word or two here in comment section to let her know what do you think of her art work.
In case you missed earlier post on Inspiring Eminent Artists Click here to read. Wish you a lovely and creative weekend ahead!!

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Inspiring Eminent Artist: Smita Bakshi

So this is the first post of new year and I wish all my readers a very wonderful and very happy new year. I am starting this year with a very creative artist and art lover Smita Bakshi. Lets meet Smita and know how she rediscovered her lost passion and I am sure you will be inspired. Over to Smita............

 First of all I would Like to thanks Disha for featuring my artwork on her blog.  I am so much in love with her creativity.

I am Smita Bakshi an MBA, HR Manager by profession. I am very professional, focused and methodical when it comes to work. I have been doing good in my career. I am married and have a seven year old boy and eventually they are married to my art work now. I have been very creative and art has always been my first love. I started painting when I was ten years.  I remember drawing the diagrams for my friends in their projects. I had made a lot of paintings which still hang at my relative’s, friend’s and my own home. It gives an immense pleasure to have the love and respect gotten from all of them.

 Life changed after I finished the school,  all these years I had been so busy that I almost forgot that once I was an art lover.  Last year I had a doctor’s appointment and while waiting for my turn I randomly started sketching and from then it never stopped………

Amazing isn't it

Oh!! I just love these cushions..........

I don’t consider myself an artist. I’m just not comfortable with that word at all. I like to just think of it as pursuing and living a creative life. I am me, a person who creates because it makes my soul happy, centers me and fills me with a sense of self satisfaction and joy. In fact, my husband didn't even know that I could draw until I started SketchiiStudio and so did all of you who are reading about it, take some time out from your busy life and find the “YOU” in Yourself.

About my Art :

SketchiiStudio is my creative space. It makes me happy to have my own space , a dedicated space and filled with the things that inspire me and make me feel good, just like I did.  Creativity makes my soul happy, centers me and fills me with a sense of self satisfaction and joy.

My style of work is primarily figurative and abstract so I mostly do illustrations and abstract art. My art is made very creatively with a lot of detailing. I absolutely adore pure and bright colors and love to challenge god's natural chroma and patterns within my imagination. I use ink, water color and acrylics on paper and canvas mostly. I have promised myself to have at least one artwork added every fortnight. So stay tuned and visit my page - SketchiiStudio. I have recently opened my shop.

Thank you so much Smita for joining us. Wish you great success ahead!!
Here are some links where you can get in touch with Smita and check out her amazing creations.

My Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/SketchiiStudio

My Blog : http://sketchiistudio.wordpress.com/

My Shop : http://www.etsy.com/shop/SketchiiStudio


This is a lovely start of new year on 3D. In case you missed reading about artists I featured last year then get inspired here.




All images are provided by Smita Bakshi and are subject to copyright. Please don't use them without permission.

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Indian Art: Tanjore Art Of Tamil Nadu

Posts in 'Indian Art' series on my blog is my endeavor to bring back the lost charm of various ancient Indian art forms and to let more and more people know about rich culture and heritage of India.

Tanjore or Thanjavur is an age old art form of South India and got its name from 'Thanjavur' a place in Tamil Nadu where this art form originated and it was the capital of Chola Empire. Origin of this art form dates back to 1600AD.

Image Source: Click Here

Origin: 

Tanjore originated during the reign of 'Nayaks' 'Marathas' and 'Cholas'. Marathas encouraged the art form and it flourished during 16th to 17th century.

Style: 

These paintings are very ancient and miniature type of paintings. Paintings mainly consist of a main figure usually deity, figure appears prominent in paintings with well rounded body and cherubic face. Main figure is enclosed in a meticulously crafted enclosure in form of arch or curtain. Paintings are bright and vibrant. 

Most striking feature of the paintings are that they are decorated using 22/24 carat gold foil, semi precious stones, cut glasses and pearls to give it a rich look. 

Image Source: Click Here

Theme: 

Theme of the painting is mainly Hindu God and Goddesses, mainly Krishna, Balaji, Lakshmi & Ganesha.

Paintings are bright and faces of main figure are made divine.

Image Source: Click Here

Process:
There are several steps involve in making Tanjore painting.

1. Canvas Preparation: Canvas is prepared by pasting a clean cotton/muslin cloth (that is dipped in glue+water solution) on plywood. Let it dry. Now apply a coat of chalk powder paste (Chalk powder + Water + Glue) on canvas and let it dry for a day. Now rub canvas with emery paper to make canvas surface smooth.
2. Choose and then trace the design on canvas using carbon paper.
3. Muck work or embossing: Muck or paste of chalk powder + Arabic gum + glue is then applied on the desired area of the painting using round brush. Let it dry
4. Gem setting or decorating: Now stick stones, gems and pearls on the design and let it dry for a day.
Apply one more layer of embossing paste to make painting more beautiful. use ball pen to make design on embossed areas. Then comes the most important step of the painting, pasting of gold foil on the embossed design. Apply glue on the embossed area and paste gold foil carefully on it and press gently with your thumb, cut the extra part of foil using cutter. Now remove gold foil that is pasted over stones, gems and pearls. You can use any needle like sharp object to remove foil that is over the stones.

Image Source: Click Here

5. Last step is painting the remaining area of the painting, like body of the main figure and the background. Body is painted mainly in white color with tint of pink or blue. Slight shading is done on main figure. Background is painted in bright colors like red, green or blue. Once the painting is complete it is then framed.

I found Tanjore paintings breathtakingly beautiful and process of making these paintings make them even more special. This framed art in any place never fails to add charm and beauty. Hope you enjoyed reading about this art.
Read more about different ancient Indian Art forms here.

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Madubani Painted In Natural Dyes

An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.
Few days ago when I decided to paint the Madhubani art that my sister had drawn for me, an idea sparked in my mind. The idea was to paint the madhubani art in natural dyes to give it a perfect look and feel of ancient art form of India. Here is my artwork.Here is how I prepared natural dyes:1 part Turmeric powder+2 part water+ boil = Yellow ColorLeaves (preferably spinach/smooth gourd/beans) + crush and squeeze = Sap Green1 Part Beet root + 2 Part water + boil = Red color1 part Blue berries + 2 Part water + boil = Blue colorYou can use various flowers and vegetables to get different colors. Once you are ready with your natural dyes you can get more hues by mixing colors. Like mix red and yellow to get orange, mix blue and yellow to get green etc.

My palette of natural colors 

 I had hard time filling colors in this art as it has very intricate work and I completed it with utmost dedication and lot of patience.  

Closer look of intricate work..

Yes it has turtle too :)

I loved the painting totally. It has come out as I wanted it to be.Have you seen my new blog Lakshya...not yet...then head over there and let me know what do you think of it :)

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Quick Update!!

It's a quick update on what I am upto. 

This is Madhubani that my younger sister drew for me. 

Something very special and amazing that I would like to share here is that my sister never heard of Madhubanhi paintings, didn't even know how to make it and then too when I asked her to make one for me she just said yes. You must be wondering here that if she doesn't know Madhubani then why did I asked her to make.
Because I know she can draw very well she is a good painter too, she is an artist at heart who doesn't know much about different art forms but is an excellent artist.

She just googled, stared at some Madhubani paintings, stayed awake till 3:00 AM and next morning I was just surprised and amazed to see what she had come up with. My jaw dropped and eyes popped out when I saw her work.

She made such beautiful Madhubani, I am awestruck to see such intricate work....every detail she gave is beyond excellence. Not sharing complete artwork here as I want to paint it first.

You lovely people...you just stay tuned and I'll be coming up with painted and complete piece of this artwork. Till then you just tell me how do you find the sneak peek of my sister's artwork.

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