Dhaka Diaries: Art to the rescue

I finished the painting I had started a week before leaving India. Don’t ask me what I was doing painting when I was pressed for time. I painted until 4 days before boarding the flight. I know it sounds crazy or even dramatic when I say I clung to the brush as long as I could. But, I did; because I knew it would be a long time before I picked the brush again- you know, with the moving, the ten-days holiday in between and the settling into a new home. I was prepared for it. However, I had no idea that it would take me a month and three weeks to pick up the brush again. The delay had more to do with me feeling unsettled and had nothing to do with me not having the material. I’d written all about it in my earlier post, titled, ‘Anchoring myself’.

Anyway, this is the painting that I had to work on. It’s special because it’s my first oil painting, my first painting of a God ( this is the Buddha), my first face painting and my first painting after moving here. Given that I was very disturbed and I had to force myself to pick the brush again, it seemed perfect that I had chosen to paint, The Buddha. Painting this picture gave me a sense of calm and peace, all of which Buddha represents.

Below is the completed painting. I call this painting, ‘Calm’.

And here, is some calming music to go with it.


Painting this has definitely restored my balance and my spirits which were in dire need of lifting. Thank you, to all who were with me. Your warm words helped more than you know. Knowing that you’ll understand and were listening meant a lot to me. I still have not made acquaintances here. It’s because getting the visa took a lot of time and then getting the work permit. We’ve got it now and are waiting for the club membership. Hopefully, that should provide an avenue to meet like-minded folk. But, until then and hopefully after too, painting and writing help. I’m sharing below the words of a friend. She wrote this to me when she read my last post. I’ve been reminding myself of these words as and when I feel low. She said, “Remember…whenever you feel under pressure, pressed or crushed, you’re in a powerful place of transformation!” I’ve shared it here and I hope it reaches whoever needs to hear it today.

Copyright@smithavishwanathsblog.com. All Rights Reserved.

18 responses to “Dhaka Diaries: Art to the rescue”

  1. dgkaye Avatar

    Perfect name for your beautiful painting Smitha. You are so multi-talented. <3

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Thank you so much,Debbie❤️. It’s very kind of you. I had to push myself to do this but, now that I have, I feel better.

      1. dgkaye Avatar

        Of course you do! <3

  2. Toonsarah Avatar

    Calm is the perfect name for this painting, the face expresses that so well. I’m glad you’re feeling better and at least making some progress towards possibilities for new friendships there.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      I’m so glad you think so too, Sarah. I enjoyed painting it… working on the face was calming. About the friendships, I hope I’m up for it and I find at least one like-minded introvert… like me. Lol.

  3. rajkkhoja Avatar
    rajkkhoja

    Beautiful art. Silence colour selection. Nice message recommend the art.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Thank you🙏

      1. rajkkhoja Avatar
        rajkkhoja

        You are most welcome! 🙏

  4. sienablue Avatar

    Beautiful! The smooth serene face contrasts well with the richly colored impasto of the hair. I know the feeling of life being so crazy that there is a yearning to pick up a brush. I become quite unsettled if I don’t paint for a few days. Small studies help me fill the gap in those times.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Hi Jo, I’m so happy you liked it. Merging the colors of the face was meditative.
      Maybe not picking up the brush was making me nervous, too…I will try and keep at it now that I have begun. I am yet to start a small study. After reading your post, I did buy an art book to do just that, but I haven’t started. I guess I’m scared of messing the pages. 🙂

  5. Mick Canning Avatar

    Art to the rescue, indeed. Looks great, Smitha.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Thank you, Mick, for appreciating the art. It sure is helping me here. Thank God!

      1. Mick Canning Avatar

        Dhaka sounds quite interesting, actually.

        1. Smitha V Avatar

          Mick, it truly is, and I’m quite happy to know that my writing gave you this impression of the place.

  6. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    HI Smitha, a gorgeous painting, I love the colours and the meaning behind it. I am so glad you are feeling better. The acquaintances will come and its easier when you are in a better space emotionally.

    1. Smitha V Avatar

      Hi Robbie, Thank you so much. I was a little scared trying it out, but oil allows you to keep fixing as it takes longer to dry. I am feeling better, but I don’t know if I’m up for making new acquaintances. It’s exhausting. You’re right, Robbie, about waiting. You understood without me having to explain. I was telling my husband that it would have been easier when I returned from Dubai – I was all charged up then.

      1. robbiesinspiration Avatar

        Yes, it is easier when you are in the ‘mode’.

        1. Smitha V Avatar

          Absolutely! The ‘mode’ is right. 🙂

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