Family Portraits, from Zimbabwe to Bali

5x7 watercolor — My People, Zimbabwe — Buy It

Day 62 of my 100 days of art and here are my people again. We don’t pose for portraits. I’m always trying to run ahead and grab a quick picture before they notice. I know them well, I’ve been observing and photographing them for years. The way they walk, their postures, attitudes and body language. Nayan, always prepared with basic tools hanging from his belt loops. Ananya, looking away, she knows I’m taking pictures. I am enjoying capturing all of this in paint.

The portraits so far…

The first in the series, top right. It started with just the stenciled background, I was practicing my quick figure sketches. Nayan with his cigar box Ukelele, waiting for me. Deep, the only one listening when I asked them to stand together for a photo. Ananya, in her what ever, are we done yet pose.

5x7 watercolor — Lunch Stop, Botswana — Buy It

There are no restaurants when you’re road tripping in Botswana. While there’s no shortage of animals, people are harder to come by. We were stocked up for safari, everything we needed for a few weeks in our overlander. We liked to stop for a lunch break when ever we saw a little village tuck shop. It gets exhausting keeping eyes out for predators so having people around felt nice. This one had the added bonus of a picnic table that the lovely shop keeper insisted we use.

5x7 watercolor — Relaxing on a Pagoda in Bali - Buy It

Quick sketch of just Deep, sheltered from the sun. We were all sitting here for a bit, sketchbooks, note books or reading books in hand…hanging out.

6x4 watercolor — Lounging at a Cafe in Amman — Buy It

Another one of the early sketches, Deep at a cafe in Amman. I stenciled the background first and then quick figure study capturing Deep in a familiar pose. I really miss hanging out at random cafes. Can’t wait to travel again.