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MONSOON ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY:

Paintings. Prints. Photography. Children's projects. Worksheets. Art & photography tips & techniques. And really cute mini greeting cards!! 

Hello! I'm Sharon of Monsoon Arts & Photography. 
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Learn & try new art & photography tips & techniques. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

See what inspires me when creating new paintings. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

See the people who inspire me. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

See what cultures inspires me around the world

Get inspiration for fun projects to do with your little ones. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

Visit me at art festivals, craft fairs, shows & exhibitions. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

View my cute mini greeting cards ideal for any occasion
© SHARONJEET GALSINH

Come visit my on-line arts shop - Opening soon!
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"I look forward to seeing you all!"

Holi - The Indian Festival of Colour

Coloured powder paint ready to throw. © Copyright photo: 
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html 

It's Holi - The Indian festival of colour which marks the coming of Spring. It's tradition to light bonfires and roast grains, popcorn, coconut and chickpeas. Holi is a colourful festival, it's a time for fun, dancing and singing. People celebrate by going into the streets and throwing coloured powder and paints at each other. 

People celebrating in the streets of north India. © Copyright photo:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html

Hola Mahalla
Sikhs also celebrate where in the Punjab it's known as "Hola Mahalla" or the festival of Nihangs. Guru Gobind Singh started the festival for Sikhs to practice their military exercise and practice battles. Sikhs celebrate through martial arts led by Gurdwara nishan sahibs.

Nihangs - Sikh warriors celebrate Hola Mohalla with coloured powders, Punjab, India. 
© Copyright photo:  http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html 

Cleaning a pan ready for Hola Mohalla - the festival of Nihangs in Punjab, north India. 
© Copyright photo: 
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html   

History of Holi
It's believed that the festival's origin comes from Krishna who was a mischievous boy that threw coloured water over the milkmaids. The fun and jokes developed into Holi, the tradition of lighting bonfires symbolises good overcoming evil and is about the king's son prince Prahlad. His auntie Holika was immune from fire and tricked her nephew Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire to kill him. But as she was using her powers for evil, her plan failed, instead the flames killed Holika and Prahlab was unharmed. Today in some parts of India effigies of Holika are burned and the bonfires ashes are thought to bring good luck. 

The tradition of lighting bonfires in India symbolises good over evil. © Copyright photo: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/holi_the_festival_of_colors.html

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The Mountain

I came across this video The Mountain by TSO Photography. 

I really love these types of videos, the photography is pretty amazing. I do like to star gaze on a clear night but my equipment isn't as good as this! It's very inspiring so I thought I'd share. Please view: 

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

 © Video http://vimeo.com/terjes/themountain

Mardi Gras - Mask Making Worksheet

My Mardi Gras mask Decorated in my favourite colours using paint, feathers, sequins & gemstones.
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

What is Mardi Gras? 

It's the final day of carnival, a day of fun, feasting and merrymaking. It is celebrated in many Christian cultures just before the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and called Shrove Tuesday in English.

My Mardi Gras mask. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

Why Masks?

It is tradition to wear a masks and costumes on Mardi Gras day. They are used at the parades to get attention from float riders and the balcony revellers. Masks are made of feathers, sequins, glitter and even plaster. They imitate all the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras. Gold, purple and green masks embody the colours, spirit, pride and the true feeling of Mardi Gras. 

Try glueing feathers on one side instead of the middle. Use a peacock feather to create a different look & add coloured ribbons too.  
© Image from http://storepetsupplies.com

Materials: 
Mask pattern
Craft foam or card

Scissors

Sequins, gemstones, ribbons, glitter, feathers

Paint

Wooden dowel or straw

Glue

Instructions: 

1. Print the mask pattern and draw on a piece of card or foam.

To enlarge template right click & select Open image in new tab then draw on card / foam. 

2. Cut it out including 2 holes for the eyes. 
3. Paint the dowel / straw gold and leave to dry. 
4. Now you can get really creative. Using the glue decorate the mask with gemstones, glitter, sequins, ribbon and paint. 

5. Glue a feather to tge back of the mask. 
6. Glue the dowel / straw at the back to one end of the mask. 

Your mask is finished!! Have fun parading! 

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

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Inspirational World

I love to see beautiful photos of the world as they really inspire me. Here are some that show just how beautiful our world is. Copyright © images. 

A restaurant on a cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar. Depending on the tide the restaurant can be reached both on foot & by boat. 

Lost Paradise, Isle of Lamu, Indian Ocean. 

View of the sunset from inside a wave. 

Thor's Well - "The Gates of the Dungeon." Oregon. 

This is a unique geological phenomenon known as Danxia Landform, China. The colour is the result of an accumulation for millions of years of red sandstone & other rocks. 

Hot Air Balloons over ancient rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey. 

Office of Selgas Cano. Madrid. 

Star Shower statue, Kaunas, Lithuania. Day & night. I really like the play of light at night. In the daytime this monument makes little sense but when night falls all is revealed, the man's shadow showers stars. 

Copyright photos taken from http://pics.livejournal.com/neferjournal

Mardi Gras 2012

It's almost the carnival season of Mardi Gras which is French for Fat Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday in English. It's a fun filled carnival which includes wearing colourful masks and costumes, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc.

Look out for my Mardi Gras worksheet on a fun mask making project for children - Coming soon! 

Image taken from http://limelightnashville.com/index.cfm

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Photography: Black & White or Colour?

Technology has allowed us to move from black and white to colour in both TV & cinema, yet  black and white photography is still very popular. It conveys a scene very differently, revealing details, patterns, forms and shapes more clearly, forcing us to concentrate on tone and texture that colour may distract us from. Stronger light means stronger shadows and a change in contrast creating a more striking image with more impact in  black and white. 

I  used black and white film to emphasize the mood and atmosphere of the canals and to give an old feel. This shot wouldn't work well in colour as the mood would be lost. I composed the shot so the tunnel frames the scene. 

Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

black and white works well for street photography to create a gritty look. Emphasise this by increasing the ISO to add more noise. Use a slow shutter to create a softer look in landscapes. Create a much more powerful portrait in  black and white instead of colour. 

Oiginally photograpehed in Illford black and white film I changed the colour to a sepia tone to give an old feel. I like the strong reflection and also the juxtaposition of the old bridge and new buildings. Although not in black and white, colour would not work in creating an old feel and may look too distracting. 

Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

So what works better - Black & White or Colour? 

It depends on what you're shooting. Black and white works well to emphasise a low key Image, that is those made of dark mid-tones and shadows, good if you want to create a sombre or moody feeling, such as on an overcast, cloudy day. However, low key images can also be uplifting by having areas of bright highlights like sun rays. To capture a dramatic landscape a great time is shooting just before of after a storm. However a sunset will always work better in colour. 

My low key shot. I love the brooding dark sky and the distant silhouetted landscape against the uplifting sun rays with it's shimmer on the water. Note this shot's in colour but works as it's made of dark mid-tones. 
Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

Try it yourself
The easiest way is it use photo editing software, create a duplicate of one of your best shots and convert it to black and white. How does compositional elements change, note how colour changes to greys, is shape and form emphasised? Is the atmosphere changed? You'll be surprised at the difference. 

Inspiration - Dogs

Dogs - they sure do inspire me. Only those who have had their own dog can truly understand the love, loyalty, intelligence & amazement of dogs. I really believe that looking after or walking someone else's dog just isn't the same as having your own dog that lives with you. As your dog will only show most loyalty and love to you, not someone who comes and goes and doesn't really know / understand them. 

But with the sad events of 3 months ago Azza the Akita & Emerald the Labrador just seem to know and understand what's happened and so act differently towards me now in a way I cannot completely explain. And now I've also got to know a Pyrenean mountain dog & a German Shepherd. Dogs really amaze me. I've had one my whole life but they still know how to touch my heart. 

My on-line arts shop - Coming soon!

With all this snow, although beautiful, who wants to go out shopping in the cold. So why not keep a look out for my on-line shop opening soon!

Bright, colourful & vibrant paintings, prints, photography & cute mini greeting cards. I love capturing the world around me by taking photos & I love to express what I like about the world by drawing & painting. My paintings are inspired by love, nature & anything whimsical. I've now turned my artwork into mini greeting cards with matching coloured envelopes. They're reallycute!! 

Inspiring People - John Lennon

John Lennon is one person I find inspiration from and so both my sister and I were excited to spend a few days away in Liverpool last month to enjoy the cities arts & culture. Liverpool offered us an atmospheric insight into the life, culture and music of the iconic 1960s English rock band The Beetles. The Beatles became one of the most successful bands of all time and gained fans around the world, Beatlemania still grips Liverpool to this day. The Beatles "revolutionized the sound, style, and attitude of popular music". 

"For young people in 1972, it was thrilling to see Lennon's courage in standing up to the US President. That willingness to take risks with his career and his life is one reason why people still admire him today". 

John Lennon tribute, Liverpool
Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

The John Lennon Peace Monument ‘Peace & Harmony’. Inscribed with the words “Peace on Earth for the Conservation of Life – In Honour of John Lennon 1940–1980.” 

The John Lennon Peace Monument unveiled in 2010 entitled ‘Peace & Harmony’ shows peace symbols, doves and a white feather. It's inscribed with the words “Peace on Earth for the Conservation of Life – In Honour of John Lennon 1940–1980”. 

John Lennon devoted the later part of his life to a worldwide peace movement. His message of peace is timeless and is one that is more relevant now than ever. 

Season of Love

With Valentines Day just round the corner Love is in the air and so Love inspires me to create new artwork. We all like to be in love and to be loved, it's a warm welcome feeling in these dull dark winter days. A time to appreciate the love we have and let them know just how much. (But I do believe we should do this everyday & not just on Valentines Day!) So one way to show this love is with something handmade, a painting, something that can be kept, displayed & to always remind you of the love you have. So as I get inspired I'm thinking of new ideas for a love & Valentines themed print. So do revisit if you're looking for an extra gift for the love of your life this year. 

Love, Love, Love. 

Like my Fan Page on Facebook

If you're a lover of arts, paintings, photography and mini greeting cards be a fan of my new look fan page on Facebook:

Click to like my fan page & keep updated with my new artwork

I have just started selling my paintings - inspired by nature, love & anything whimsical, photography & mini greeting cards with matching coloured envelopes all wrapped in resealable bags. Ideal to be used for any occasion & their mini size makes them really cute!

 

www.facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography 

"I look forward to seeing you all online!"

Inspired by my Indian Culture

My Indian culture really inspires me from the lively music, the colorful clothes, the food, the celebrations, the vibrant colors, the peace to the noisy bustling, chaotic city streets which are alive with people. My sister's wedding brought this out even more, I wore a sari which I loved & the wedding day was the inspiration for my Indian art below. 

I started sketching & came up with a few ideas, I simplified the design by taking the background out which also makes it more modern. Some of the sketches were painted using acrylic & others I did digitally. I created this design in different colors as Indians love color. These prints have also been made into greeting cards that can be used for any occasion. 

People tell me they like these Indian inspired designs as they're modern but still have an Indian feel. These designs have also been made into greeting cards. 
All Artwork © SHARONJEET GALSINH 2011

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Birmingham ArtsFest 2011

ArtsFest is one of the UK's biggest, most popular urban festivals. With over 600 events there's something at ArtsFest for everyone to enjoy! So no wonder I was excited when my application was successful for me to exhibit & sell my artwork there. Here are some of my own photos of the day:

My lovely colourful & cute mini greeting cards! Inspired by nature, love, Indian culture & anything whimsical. 

More cute mini greeting cards just hanging on the railings! 

Just some of my artwork which includes framed & unframed photos, paintings, prints, drawings & those cute mini greeting cards. 

Some of my paintings, prints & mini greeting cards inspired by nature, love, Indian culture & anything whimsical. 

More framed artwork. 

Some artwork has been framed in black to add that finishing touch. Some of these designs have been used to create my greeting cards. 

My table with some of my drawings, paintings, prints & photos. 
All images are copyright to Sharonjeet Galsinh

Volkswagen Beetle Inspired Art

I really love the old Volkswagen Beetles & Camper vans iconic of 1960's. They're unique, full of character & are one of the most photographed cars in the world. They symbolise what the sixties is all about - love, freedom, travel, fun & adventure. That's why I love them, plus they look good too! They've been the inspiration for my VW Beetle greeting cards. I've also created a hand painted print for the Beetle lovers! 

My VW Beetle cards are inspired from my love of 1960's art & culture & VW Beetles & camper vans. My favourite design is the rainbow background one, the colours also reflect the 60's era. 

All Artwork © SHARONJEET GALSINH 2011

1960's Inspired Mini Greeting Cards

As well as my Indian inspired mini greeting cards with matching coloured envelopes I'm also inspired by 1960's art & culture - in particular the bright coloured shapes, the VW Beetle & Campervan & generally as the decade that represents love. My cards can be used for any occasion & I've been told are really cute! I plan to open an online shop soon to sell my cards, prints & paintings. Here are some of my 60's inspired designs which have a bit of a whimsical feel which I love. 

I love 1960's culture & so created Beetle inspired designs. I had a few ideas & couldn't decide which one to use so created a few versions based on the same Beetle. Though the rainbow background one's my favourite as I love colours & rainbows & think it reflects the 60's. 

 All artwork © SHARONJEET GALSINH 2011

Birmingham ArtsFest 2011

Last year I was really excited to exhibit & sell my artwork at Birmingham's ArtsFest. ArtsFest is one of the UK's biggest, most popular urban festivals. It's also the UK's biggest FREE arts festival which is made up of 600 events, ranging from ballet to Bhangra, dub poetry to indie rock.

It features performance, workshops, exhibitions, talks & screenings, across the performing, visual & digital arts genres. There's something at ArtsFest for everyone to enjoy! 

To see all the fun at Birmingham's ArtsFest click below & view some photos - look out for Monsoon Arts & Photography! 

Click me to view photos of Birmingham's ArtsFest 2011

Meeting Inspiring People - BBC's Mark Speight

I really like it when life gives me the opportunity to meet really inspiring people, people who make me want to achieve more. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the father of the late Mark Speight. Mark's well known for being one of the top presenters of the BBC's highly rated children’s show SMart. He was certainly right when he said always do what you want to do, don't listen to what others tell you to do as you'll be better at doing what makes you happy. See people can make money from being an artist when they're alive! 

Image taken from speightoftheart.org.uk

Click to visit the Mark Speight Foundation