Posts

01 Jan 0001

A vibrant watercolor illustration of King Brahma-datta, adorned in elaborate regal attire of deep crimson and gold, listening attentively to the wise man, the future Buddha. The Buddha stands beside him in the Benares palace, bathed in the soft, diffused light of a late afternoon. The king appears to be talking excessively, gesturing wildly with his hands, his face flushed with excitement. The wise man maintains a calm, patient demeanor, his eyes downcast and his hands clasped in front of him. The palace interior features intricately carved wooden pillars casting long shadows across the polished stone floor. Tapestries of deep indigo and ochre adorn the walls. The air is thick with the scent of incense. The watercolor style should emphasize soft blending and a natural flow, capturing the rich textures of silk robes and polished surfaces.

01 Jan 0001

I was still a thief when I met Romi. I was only fifteen, but I was good at it. Romi was watching a wrestling match when I walked up to him. He looked like he was about twenty-five, and he seemed friendly and easy to trick. I thought I could easily become his friend.

A skinny, young boy (Hari Singh), no older than 15, with a mischievous grin and close-cropped, dusty brown hair, approaches a slightly older man (Romi), maybe 25, with a lean build and kind eyes. Romi is captivated by a wrestling match in the foreground. The wrestling ring is a makeshift pit in a dusty, vibrant Indian market, with two powerfully built wrestlers grappling in a cloud of sweat and dust, their oiled bodies glistening under the harsh midday sun. The scene is alive with the cacophony of market sounds and a riot of colors: saffron robes, turquoise textiles, and earthen browns. Sunlight creates deep shadows, highlighting the texture of the rough-hewn wooden fence surrounding the ring and the animated faces in the crowd. Watercolor illustration with soft blending and natural flow, capturing the vibrant energy of India.

01 Jan 0001

The Thirsty Crow

Once upon a time, on a hot summer day, a crow was very, very thirsty. He flew here and there, looking for water, but couldn’t find any. The hot sun made him even thirstier! He almost gave up hope. But he didn’t! He kept looking, and then… he saw it! A pot with a little bit of water in it. He was so happy!

Watercolor painting of a thirsty crow, rendered in muted browns and grays, with bright, expressive eyes. The crow is perched on the rim of a terracotta pot, which contains a small amount of water at the bottom. Several smooth, grey pebbles are scattered around the pot and a few are already inside, raising the water level slightly. The background is a sun-drenched landscape in warm yellows and oranges, suggesting a hot summer day. The crow’s body is consistently sized and shaped throughout the painting, maintaining consistent color and style. The style should be reminiscent of classic children’s book illustrations.

01 Jan 0001

The Three Dolls

Watercolor painting of King Krishnadevaraya, Tenali Rama, and a foreign merchant in the vibrant Vijayanagara court. King Krishnadevaraya, in regal purple and gold, sits on his throne. Tenali Rama, in a warm ochre robe, is examining one of three identical-looking porcelain dolls, meticulously detailed with a tiny hole in each ear. The merchant, dressed in rich blues and greens, stands confidently observing them. The background should suggest a grand palace setting with hints of a bustling court scene. Focus on the delicate details of the dolls and the expressions on the faces of the three main characters. Use a muted color palette for the background to emphasize the dolls and characters.

01 Jan 0001

The Three Little Fish

Once upon a time, in a little river, lived three colorful fish. There was a red fish, a blue fish, and a yellow fish. They were the best of friends and always swam together.

One day, the blue fish was swimming near the riverbank and overheard some fishermen talking. “It’s time to fish in this river!” one fisherman said. “Lots of yummy fish swim here! Let’s go fishing tomorrow!”

Watercolor illustration: Three friendly fish – a bright red, a tranquil blue, and a cheerful yellow – swimming in a clear river. The red fish is larger and depicted being pulled slightly upwards by an unseen fishing net, its expression worried. The blue and yellow fish are smaller, watching with concerned expressions from behind some partially submerged river plants. The water is a translucent blue-green, and the riverbank is subtly suggested with soft greens and browns. Use a light, airy watercolor style.

01 Jan 0001

The Three Little Pigs

Three little pigs, each with their own house, standing in front of a sunny forest background. The first pig is holding a straw bundle, the second pig is holding a stick, and the third pig is holding a brick.

Once upon a time, in a forest, there lived three little pigs. Their mother was no longer with them. The three brothers lived together in a small space.

As they grew bigger, their little home became too small. So, each of the three little pigs decided to build their own house.

01 Jan 0001

The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal

Watercolor illustration of a frustrated tiger trapped in a rusty, barred cage. The time is early morning; sunlight filters through the jungle canopy, casting dappled shadows on the cage floor. The tiger, an orange blaze against the dark iron, is snarling, its black stripes rippling with tension as it claws at the rust-covered bars. Its eyes burn with rage. Brahman, a kind-looking man with simple, earth-toned clothing – a faded dhoti and shawl – stands outside the cage, looking concerned, his brow furrowed with worry. His hands are clasped nervously. Lush green jungle foliage, with vibrant emerald greens and deep shadows, surrounds them. Vines creep up the cage bars. The air is thick with humidity, hinted at by a slight shimmer in the distance. Artistic style: Soft, natural watercolor with flowing washes and delicate details, emphasizing the contrast between the raw power of the tiger and Brahman’s gentle nature.

01 Jan 0001

The Tunnel

A young boy, Suraj, stands near weathered train tracks disappearing into the inky maw of a dark tunnel entrance deep within a lush, vibrant green jungle. The late afternoon sun casts long, dappled shadows through the dense foliage. The air above the tracks shimmers with intense heat haze, distorting the distant view. A rusty bicycle, its tires slightly deflated, leans against the gnarled roots of a nearby banyan tree. Suraj is barefoot, wearing a faded blue shirt and brown shorts, his face etched with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Watercolor style, soft blending, natural flow.

01 Jan 0001

The Two Frogs

Once upon a time, a group of frogs was looking for water in the forest. Suddenly, two frogs accidentally fell into a deep pit!

Watercolor painting of a whimsical forest scene. Two small, bright green frogs, identical in size and shape, are in a deep, dark pit. One frog has a defeated expression and is lying down, while the other frog is mid-jump, eyes determined and mouth open in a silent cheer. The pit is rendered with deep blues and purples, contrasting sharply with the lush greens of the surrounding forest. Above the pit, a group of larger, paler green frogs are clustered, some with worried expressions, their bodies slightly silhouetted. The overall style is delicate and slightly cartoonish, maintaining consistent frog size, shape, and color throughout the painting.

01 Jan 0001

THE UPRIGHT KING.

Once upon a time, there was a super-rich king named Harchand Raja, and he had a son named Manikchand. He had tons of money and a big, beautiful garden with amazing flowers and yummy fruits! He loved his garden so much. Every morning, before he took a bath, he gave a poor beggar a whole bunch of gold coins.

Watercolor illustration of King Harchand Raja, in ornate crimson and gold robes with intricate embroidery and pearl accents, giving a handful of gleaming gold coins to a humble, grateful beggar. The beggar is clad in tattered brown cloth, his face etched with lines of hardship but softened by genuine appreciation. The background features a vibrant, lush garden filled with colorful flowers like hibiscus and marigolds, and fruit trees laden with mangoes and pomegranates, all bathed in warm, soft morning light casting long, gentle shadows. Dewdrops cling to the petals, reflecting the light. The atmosphere is peaceful and benevolent. The artistic style is consistent watercolor with soft blending and natural flow, emphasizing the textures of the cloth and the smoothness of the gold.

01 Jan 0001

THE VORACIOUS FROG.

Watercolor illustration, early morning in a lush, overgrown jungle. Soft, diffused sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. A determined-looking rat, fur a warm ochre brown, carries a burlap sack heavy with flour and a glass bottle of milk. The sack is dusted with flour and slightly torn. A bright green frog, with bulging eyes, hops excitedly alongside, struggling under the weight of a bundle of dry, twiggy sticks, easily taller than itself, precariously balanced on its back with twine. Dewdrops cling to the large jungle leaves. Color palette: predominantly greens and browns with accents of white, ochre, and the bright green of the frog. Creates a feeling of hopeful adventure.

01 Jan 0001

The Wicked Cat and the Mice

A long time ago, there was a wicked cat who always bothered lots of mice. The mice decided they needed to solve this problem. So, they all gathered to discuss their biggest problem: this wicked cat who chased them and ate them! “This is chaos!” squeaked one mouse angrily.

Watercolor painting of a lively mice council meeting. A group of small, brown mice with large, expressive eyes are gathered in a circle, their fur rendered with delicate watercolor washes. One older, slightly larger mouse with grey fur is speaking, his paw raised. In the background, a shadowy, sleek black cat with piercing green eyes is subtly depicted, lurking just out of reach. The overall palette is warm and earthy, with splashes of brighter color indicating the mice’s excitement and worry. The scene is set in a cozy mouse hole, with textures suggested through loose watercolor application. Focus on conveying the mice’s anxious energy and the cat’s ominous presence. Style: whimsical, slightly naive watercolor.

01 Jan 0001

The Wind on Haunted Hill

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, sang the wind as it rushed down from the snowy mountains. It zoomed over the hills, humming and whistling through the tall trees. Haunted Hill didn’t have much to stop the wind – just some small trees and bushes, and the broken walls of an old town.

Watercolor illustration of Usha, Suresh, and Binya on a windy hilltop village. They are securing vibrant, patched clothes – a faded blue shirt, a red and yellow sari – to a crumbling stone wall with jagged-edged rocks. Usha has dark, windblown hair framing a face with rosy cheeks, her brow furrowed in concentration. Suresh is younger and smaller, clutching a stone tightly, his eyes wide with exertion. Binya is slightly older than Usha, her hands deftly pinning a colorful cloth, a serene expression on her face despite the harsh wind. In the background, a distant, dilapidated town sits atop another hill, partially obscured by blowing wind and a hazy, grey sky tinged with a touch of lavender. The watercolor effect should emphasize the texture of the stone, the wind’s movement through the clothing, and the soft, diffused light typical of a windy day. The overall tone is one of resilience and quiet determination, rendered with delicate watercolor washes.

01 Jan 0001

The Wise Sadhu

Once upon a time, there was a huge palace. A sadhu (holy man) came to the palace gates and told the guard, “Tell the king that his brother has come to visit.”

A wise-looking sadhu stands at the entrance of a grand palace, with a guard in the background, as if about to tell him something important.

The guard wondered who this sadhu was and why he claimed to be the king’s brother. He thought maybe it was a distant relative who had become a sadhu. The guard told the king, who smiled and said, “Let the sadhu in.”

01 Jan 0001

Thief and Brahmins

Watercolor illustration featuring five Brahmin figures, four in similar light-toned robes and one in darker clothing. The darker figure is subtly positioned in the center, looking anxious amidst the other four Brahmins who are gathered around a small pile of sparkling jewel-toned watercolors. The scene is set against a rich background of deep greens and browns, suggestive of a jungle setting. The overall mood is one of suspense and intrigue, with a focus on the facial expressions of the Brahmins. The jewel colors should be vibrant and reflective, suggesting the precious nature of the stolen gems. The style should be detailed but loose, characteristic of watercolor techniques.

01 Jan 0001

Those Three Bears

Most villages in the Himalaya mountains are in valleys. Valleys have little streams, some places to grow food, and they’re safe from the super cold winds that blow through the mountains in winter. The houses are usually built with big rocks and have slanted roofs made of stone, so the heavy rain can slide right off. When it’s sunny in the fall, you’ll often see pumpkins on the roofs, getting all nice and ripe in the sun.

01 Jan 0001

Tiger My Friend

Watercolor illustration of an old tiger with gold and yellow fur, streaked with mud and battle scars, walking purposefully through tall, dry grass near a misty swamp at sunset. Long shadows stretch from the tiger, highlighting the texture of its fur. The tiger’s tail, tipped with black, is just visible above the golden grass. Water lilies with delicate white and yellow petals float on the dark, still water. A faint orange glow reflects off the water, creating a warm, melancholic tone. The air is thick with humidity. Style: Soft watercolor with visible brushstrokes and color bleeding, capturing the raw texture of the environment.

01 Jan 0001

True Friendship

In the jungle of Ajanar, lived two strong lions, Shursingh and Singraj. Shursingh was getting old and couldn’t hunt anymore.

Singraj would hunt for him and bring him food. When Singraj went hunting, Shursingh was all alone. The other animals were too scared to go near him.

One day, a pack of jackals saw Shursingh alone. They thought they found a big meal! They surrounded him and bit him, hurting him badly. Shursingh fainted.

01 Jan 0001

Turtle that Fell off Stick

Watercolor painting of a heartwarming scene: Two graceful white swans, consistently sized and shaped throughout, gently carry a small, brown turtle named Kambugriva on a sturdy stick. Kambugriva’s mouth is slightly open, suggesting surprise. The background shows a partially dried-up lake bed with cracked earth, contrasting with a lush, vibrant new lake in the distance. The swans and turtle have soft, consistent coloration throughout the piece.

Once upon a time, there was a turtle named Kambugriva who lived in a lake. She had two swan friends!

01 Jan 0001

Unlucky Weaver

A watercolor illustration depicting Somilaka’s journey. Somilaka, with his characteristic features (consistent size, shape, and coloring across the image), is shown walking a winding path. In the distance, a city is vaguely visible. Two shadowy figures representing Destiny and Action are depicted slightly larger than Somilaka, hovering near him, one with a dark hue and the other with lighter tones. The gold coins, represented as small glittering highlights, should be subtly visible near Somilaka during his initial journey and disappearing later in the illustration, illustrating the theme of the story. The color palette should utilize a warm and serene color scheme with a focus on blues and gold accents.

9/10