India sketchbook – February 2023

Woman in Indian auto rickshaw

In February, I went to India for 2 whirlwind weeks! As my last visit had been 26 years ago, I was long overdue for another stay. And wow! As expected, the country once again delighted and astonished me, and left me with the sense that a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to experience all of India’s wonders. In the meantime, here are some sketches from my travels. Although I became reacquainted with watercolour (the traveling artist’s friend), our hectic itinerary did not allow much time for staying in one place to absorb and create. That will be the next trip’s focus. Enjoy!

First stop, Mumbai:

Clockwise: Mumbai architecture and cityscape, trying on saris in a Fort district clothing store, and street performer.

Kerala

Backwaters boat tour, Cochin

Kathakali dance: Cochin, Kerala

Tamil Nadu: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

27 species spotted by my birdwatching spouse, who pointed these out to me.

Costa Rica’s Creatures now launched and available on my Vimeo channel – thank you for your support!


Thank you to everyone who attended the premiere of Costa Rica’s Creatures on September 10, 2022, both in person and virtually! The evening was a grand success. I am truly touched by all your warm messages of congratulations and positive feedback!

If you missed it, you can view the recording of the virtual event on YouTube (the presentation starts at 47:07):

All versions of Costa Rica’s Creatures are now available on my Vimeo channel:

Costa Rica’s Creatures (English, no subtitles): https://vimeo.com/673970036

Costa Rica’s Creatures (English with French subtitles): https://vimeo.com/673970477

Costa Rica’s Creatures (English with Spanish subtitles): https://vimeo.com/673970888

Premiere of Costa Rica’s Creatures, Saturday September 10, 2022 in Montreal!

Announcing the premiere screening of Costa Rica’s Creatures, my recently completed animation, followed by a retrospective of my past works. Check out the full programme at https://umaviswanathan.com/events/

Admission is free (no reservation required), with a reception to follow – details below!

When: Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 19h30 EDT (doors open at 19h00) 

Where: J.A. De Sève Cinema, J.W. McConnell Building (Library building), 1400 De Maisonneuve Ouest, LB-125

Can’t attend in person? Join the YouTube live stream, starting at 19h15 EDT(premiere only) – link to be posted on Events page shortly.

SAVE THE DATE: Premiere of Costa Rica’s Creatures – Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Montreal!

Hello, everyone! Hope you are having a wonderful summer. 

I am pleased to announce that my latest animation Costa Rica’s Creatures will be premiering on the evening of September 10, 2022!  

The premiere will be screened at the J.A. DeSève Cinema, on Concordia University’s downtown campus and also livestreamed. 

A retrospective of my past works (in-person only) and a reception will follow. Hope to see you there! 

Details coming soon!  

Animated image of hand-drawn black iguana, with the caption "garrobo".
Garrobo (Black iguana), featured in Costa Rica’s Creatures