Sunday, November 05, 2006

SMOKE for Illustration Friday

Ganpati reaching through incense smoke to pat a lovely old dog


There's this antique shop called Shang's Antiques near Tanglin that we sometimes drop in on during our weekend walks. There's this lovely, venerable old boxer (he's 15 years old which makes him a 105 in dog time!) there who always lies near this 12th Century Ganesh statue near the door. The dog recognizes us and always wags his tail sort of feebly (he's too old to get up, he used to get up but he just can't now... he recognizes us though!).
The owner usually places flowers and offerings and things in front of that Ganesh (Ganpati/ Ganesh is the remover of obstacles).

I've drawn Ganesh reaching through the smoke (from the incense sticks) to pet the dog (because he's such a faithful and loyal and dependable GOOD dog!).

In the background are other antiquities, statues and textiles from the shop.

Done in aquarelle pencils and then painted with a wet brush.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

love the earthy tone!

pati said...

I like Ganesh, it reminds me my godfather, who l used to live in India.

I also love antiques... they have a 'je ne sais quoi', maybe the idea that most of them are ooooooooolder than you are :)

Ginger*:) said...

This is an interesting concept. I love the idea that the loyal dog is being rewarded with a comforting hand.

steve said...

Looks like you had fun here. Yes, the little pooch does look like he needs a good, gentle pat on the head. Great work--thanks for sharing this.

Cez said...

asian inspiration..love it

Michelle Lana said...

Great work, tj...

studio lolo said...

This is wonderful, especially because you told us how you came about doing it. How funny that Ganesh had things put in front of him when he's the clearer of obstacles! Great inclusion of the wonderful old doggy too.Big heart, nice job!

Rafael Arjona said...

Nice drawing, and pretty history also

Unknown said...

The things put in front of the Ganesha are offerings, like incense sticks, fruit and flowers. =) They're not there as obstacles. Sorry, should have explained that!

Anonymous said...

nice drawing and love your narration.

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Nice work!

sage said...

lovely!

Irene said...

Very nice! I'm glad I found your fabulous blog. Keep at it! c",)

Susan Schwake said...

love the colors you chose here... will be back to check you out... and foodie blog! yummmm...thanks for your kind words at my blog too!

Twisselman said...

That's a wonderful story. And a beautiful illustration. We have a 13-year-old mutt, picked up at the animal shelter when he was 6 months old. He's deaf now, but completely loyal and a good friend.

Joanna said...

I love the illustration and the story that goes with it. It definitely helps the viewer make the connection. Who wouldn't love a dog like that?! ;)

p.s. Thanks for the comment!

Ian T. said...

They both look very happy! We have a Temple down the road with Ganesh in the front - it's beautiful and is being extended at the moment. I like the way you've deployed colour in this picture, keeping the top half largely in greytones, and reserving colour for the "real" world of the dog - apart from that striking coloured strip at centre, which draws the eye down nicely. Nice work and a lovely story!

Rob Smith jr said...

You've fit quite a bit in your illustration. Nicely done. I like how you break up the design and marry the pup and the Ganesh. First you have a true setting for critters. That is, that they tend to isolate themselves in a spot for rest. Your layout is split between the dog on the mat and the upper part, which is of the antiques. Each of the antiques are also then isolated in their little square of the page. I like how you break the stillness with the interaction of the Ganesh into the dogs square and the incense into the Ganesh's. Very good.

Amy Zaleski said...

Excellent detail!