Big Hoot Art Trail in Birmingham is a major success

The Big Hoot's been such a unique & worthwhile project to work on. But there's still time for you to see the owls in Birmingham before they all fly off to their new homes. 

For more photos visit my fan page: 

Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndphotography

As with all creative people your surroundings make a huge impact with the creative flow of new ideas. As I am always working at new and different places I feel there is always many things around me that inspire me. But now and then the views from my studio make a huge difference! . . . . 

Fab views from the studio of Birmingham city where lots of lovely creative people work. 

With fab views like this I am sure they inspire everyone! Time for some art!

As always do not forget to visit my Facebook page: 

Click to visit my fan page

My Henna and Art Workshops

I really enjoy delivering creative workshops to allow people to have a go at henna or different arts and crafts. I run these in various local places like community centres, schools, churches, museums stay and play groups and more! 

One of my Henna workshops in a church. 

These photos are from one of my henna workshops through Birmingham Ikon Gallery, held with the Friendship Club for the Retired group at St Edburgha's Church. 

One of the members having a go at watercolour painting. 

These workshops were based on my masterclass with Artist if the year Imran Qureshi. 

Someone enjoying doing henna for the first time. 

Send me an email if you would like a art or henna workshop:

E: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com

Masterclass: Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year

I had a unique opportunity to attend a miniature portrait painting masterclass with Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year, Imran Qureshi. Sitting on the floor in the painting studio created such a relaxed environment to paint in. 

My miniature tree painting inspired by Imran Qureshi. 

Pakistani born Qureshi paints trees and leaves, some of which are adorned with gold leaf. It's important to use natural ingredients and materials in the process of creating the art. For example to make the glue for the wasli paper making process we slowly heated flour and water. Qureshi said . . . 

"for me, when I make my own wasli paper I have started my painting". 

My miniature painting using a size "0" brush. 

Qureshi has created site installations for museums in New York, Sydney and Sharjah where he painted the gallery floors and walls with intricate flowers. 

My henna inspired miniature painting. 

Since the masterclass we have run a series of workshops in places like schools, community centres and churches to pass our knowledge. It was then great to see all our artwork in an exhibition at Birmingham's Ikon Gallery, below. 

  

Below, some of the artwork from our children's workshop in a community centre. 

Our artwork playing on the projector at our "Love Hobmoor Community Centre" event.

Artwork from our children's workshops in a community Centre. 

Get in touch if you would like a workshop. 

E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Communal Artwork

Our recent event invited the local community for free dance, drumming, miniature painting with Ikon Gallery, a shared lunch and the unveiling of our communal artwork led my Hasret Brown. The finished artwork below is made up of stenciled shapes painted by local people in the workshops, then fitted together by lead artist Hasret. 

The finished communal artwork displayed permanently in our local community centre. 
© Copyright Hasret Brown. 

The aim of the workshops were to bring the community together and create a permanent piece of artwork for a community centre. 

So nice to see the unveiling of the finished artwork created by local people and enjoyed by everyone.
© Copyright Hasret Brown.

© Copyright Hasret Brown. 

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Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Graphic Design - Leaflet

A Leaflet I design for Forever Eagle, advertising some of their aloe vera products. 

My leaflet design

If you have a product you need to advertise or a brand to establish send me get in touch:

E: Sharon_kerala@hotmaail.com
FB: Join my Facebook page
Twitter: @MonsoonArts

Ikon Gallery Opportunity

It has been really good to work with other Artists and creative people this week on a new project at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. Then to end the week walking through the German Markets in the dark with the Christmas lights was so nice and festive. 

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

This opportunity will now allow me to share my new creative skills and techniques with others through running workshops within the community which I am really looking forward to. 

More info to follow soon. 

My Flower Print Photography Exhibition

My year long Flower Print Photography Exhibition is currently at location 3 of 4 across the West Midlands. I love flowers and many of my photos from this collection were shot in my garden. They capture the beautiful colours of Summer in full bloom, bringing sunshine, colour and warmth to your home. 

Flower Print Exhibition - Location 3 of 4: Solihull Hospital, England. 
Bold and colourful, sure to brighten up a blank wall. 

If there is a print that you would like to buy please get in touch using the details below. All artwork comes framed and ready to hang. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 
Makes a nice gift ideal for Mother's Day or nature lovers. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Artist Statement.  

I also cover kids' birthdays, pet photography, church weddings and special occasions. Please get in touch: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com 
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MonsoonArts 
Fan page: www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

My Henna Diwali Event

I really enjoyed my henna artist training, it's another form of creativity which I love. It's ideal for parties, celebrations, when attending weddings, occasions like Diwali or if you just love having henna as much as me! 

I have done events and henna for Eid. These photos are from my henna event last week in celebration of the Indian festival of lights - Diwali. I hope you like them, please contact me if you would like your own henna event for a birthday party or if you just want henna for yourself: 

Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

My Diwali Henna event. Thanks to Sukhi for helping on the day & NHS photographer Hannah for taking photos - I want your Nikon!

Henna heart and stars design. 

Get in touch if you would like your own henna party for a Birthday - Kids love it!

Get in touch if you would like your own henna. 

I quite like Henna flowers. 

Me with my Indian and Diwali inspired table decorations. 

 

My decorated table with divas, candles and my cute Indian inspired greeting cards that I sell - All handmade. 

Me with some of my hand drawn henna designs on paper. 

Photographer Hannah. Thanks for taking lovely pics for the NHS. 

Get in touch if you would like your own henna. 

Email: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Tweet: https://Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

Cute Handmade Baby Boots

I have just added a pair of lovely handmade knitted baby boots for sale in my public Arts display. They make a sweet little gift for a newborn baby boy or girl. So cute!! I also have a range of cute mini greeting cards to compliment this gift. 

Knitted baby boots for sale in my arts and crafts display. 

Get in touch if you'd like to buy these. 

Henna and Diwali Day Celebration

With Diwali round the corner I invite you to join in with the celebrations while I do your henna, a beautiful and culturally rich art form. Choose from 1 of my designs and take a seat to enjoy the music while I do your chosen henna design on you. Suitable on both adults and children. 

My henna design I did on Tusleem for her Eid celebrations

If henna's not for you, you can always try your hand at creating your own design on the day. With music from Alston Primary School. Full details / music to be confirmed for the rest of the week. 

Date: 05/11/2013
Location: Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

In the mean time visit me at: 

Fan Page: Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

Flickr: Flickr.com/people/74998172@N08/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonsoonArts

I look forward to seeing you soon! 

Sharon

For Sale: Rainbow VW Beetle

I've added another framed print of my much loved Rainbow Volkswagen Beetle to my exhibition at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Great if you want to add colour (well all the colours of the rainbow!) to your walls. Or maybe treat yourself if you just love the classic VW Beetle as much as me!

A matching greeting card is also available in this design with a high quality coloured envelope.

Framed artwork for sale. Great if you want to add colour - well all the colours of the rainbow to your walls! 

CONTACT ME: 
Twitter: Follow me on Twitter
Email: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com
Facebook: Join my Arts & Photography fan page
Blog: Join my Art & Photography Blog

Psychedelic Lino Print For Sale

I love expressing what I love about the world through photography, design, art & writing, it allows me to reach thousands of people. My new Lino print with inked colouring is now on display & on sale in my exhibition at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.

It has a slight psychedelic influence & the warm colours are great if you want to add a splash of colour to your walls! 

My painting style is a more quirky, fun, vibrant & colourful art for the young & old alike. 

Visit my arts fan page and flick through my artwork and get in touch if there's anything specific you'd like or are interested in purchasing any art, having your own customised greeting cards or are in need of a graphic designer or photo enhancer. 

My new psychedelic inspired Lino print - Great if you want to add a splash of colour to your walls! 

GET IN TOUCH: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

Fan Page: www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

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British Inspired Artwork for Sale

It's been a Great British summer with the Jubilee, Euro 2012 & London 2012 Olympics. It's no wonder this summer's inspired me to create new artwork. 

My new British inspired artwork is a mix of computer generated art, photography and sketching and is on sale and on display in my exhibition at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. 

My Union Jack with British icon the Mini says best of British. It's a mix of photography, sketches & computer generated art. On display & on sale in my current exhibition.

My style isn't fine art, but a more quirky, fun, vibrant and colourful art for the young and old alike and at reasonable prices too. 

Visit the photo area of my fan page to see a small selection of my artwork ranging from paintings, photography, greeting cards and graphic designing: 

http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography/photos_stream

As always contact me if there's anything specific you would like or if you are interested in purchasing any art or need a graphic designer: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonsoonArts
Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography

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My Exhibition Promotional Leaflet

I've been pretty excited with the opening of my exhibition last week at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Being a graphic designer too, I've designed a promotional leaflet to advertise my artwork at the exhibit which will be up for several months. My finished design is a good reflection of my artwork - it's colourful and vibrant! 

My leaflet I designed to be placed by the glass cabinets during my several months long exhibit.  All feedback welcome. 

See my mini greeting cards, paintings, photography & computer generated designs. If you'd like to purchase any art please contact me. 

Email: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com

Follow me on Twitter : http://twitter.com/MonsoonArts

Like my Facebook fan page:http://www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

Online shop: http://www.MonsoonArtsAndPhotography.Folksy.com

Exhibit photos to be added soon! 

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My Exhibit is Now Open!

My exhibit is now open! Yay! On Monday I set up my display at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. All are welcome to visit any time. Expect to see my cute mini greeting cards, paintings, photography prints & computer generated pictures - all framed. If you'd like to purchase any art contact me via my blog or through my: 

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography
Email: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com

I only just managed to frame & get my artwork ready in time as I've been very distracted with my new puppy. Those of you who know me will know just how much I've loved dogs my whole life, I've never been without one. 

Visit again soon to see photos of my colourful display, all feedback welcome. 
Sharon

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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. 

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