Happy Diwali to Everyone!!

Happy Diwali!! This is a different painting experiment!! Finished this couple months back. Posting it now, since the Diwali-e-magazine with this painting as front cover is published. The theme given to me was Diwali - Saat Samudra Paar (meaning Diwali Overseas). It got me to thinking how do we really celebrate Diwali here? The celebrations in India are really a lot festive. Here, kids don't have holiday for this festival so celebration cannot be the same as in India. However, I do make few traditional sweets/snacks, decorate with lamps/candles and put on traditional clothes. With the few fire crackers that I save from July 4th weekend, we have "mini" fun in our backyard. Call our parents on facetime to greet them and show what we are doing for Diwali. With these thoughts in mind, I created the painting. My very first attempt to get published in a Magazine!!

Click Here to enjoy reading the e-Magazine!

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Diwali_2015 - 11x14 inches, Acrylic on Canvas Panel

Day 30 - 30 Paintings in 30 days - Diwali Light

I am getting into celebration mood now - Diwali - Festival of Lights!
This picture was taken at our home last year during Diwali and I tried it using Watercolor.

Diwali Light - 6 x 8 inches, Watercolor on Archies paper

It is so much fun to paint on archies paper - the right paints, brushes and paper make the activity so much fun!

Day 28 - 30 Paintings in 30 days - Rangoli Inspiration

Last weekend I attended a Rangoli Competition in our community and was inspired by Rangoli Art. This is a painting from life. I decided to use one of my pastel art sheet done few years ago as base. Then placed one of my very own made candle on top. Actually I started my artistic career by making such soy wax candles and it is my very first blog post. I sold these candles for Diwali celebrations. Still have a few left and just one set of 4 candles as sentimental value... Take a look on that candle post here.
I hope you like my setup and the painting too!!

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Rangoli Inspiration - 8 x 10 inches, Oil on Canvas Panel

For those who don't know about Rangoli - It is folk art from India. The purpose of Rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. Design depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings. more on wikepedia.

"Celebrations" Presents Diwali Special Candles !!

Dear Friends and Family,

With the support of family and friends, I am venturing into an entire new area. I am introducing a new concept in candles – **All natural**, **Handcrafted**, **Handpainted**, **Designer** Candles. What else would be a more perfect occasion than Festival of Lights – Diwali ? My very first Theme !!

I am organizing a booth for sale of these special Candles in Irvine Mandir during the Raas – Garba Celebrations – October 3rd & 4th @ 7.30 PM.

A SPECIAL OFFER for my friends :) - since this is a special edition and many people have shown interest – I am taking pre-sale orders in case you are interested.

ONLY $20.00 for a set of four !!Each Set comes with specially designed packaging, suitable for occasion.

* Limited Edition. These candles are not available in any store *
** Great for use as Diwali Gift **

Each candle is:
!! Individually Handpainted - special Diwali Designs!! Colorful wax – different color in each container
!! Lightly Scented
!! Up to 30 hours of burn time
!! Candles are made out of Soy Wax.
!! Soy Wax is Eco-friendly, GREEN, soot free, biodegradable and water soluble – spills clean up very easily with a little soap and hot water.
!! Reusable container as the wax completely burns clean.

Place your order *Now* to Celebrate the Occasion !!I guarantee that no two candles are same and made specially for YOU !!

To order send Email – preranap@hotmail.com

Warm Regards,
Prerana Kulkarni
Here is the slideshow of the event: