Virtual Paintout 24: Besties in Bhutan!

For this April of 2015, the Virtual Paintout gang went traveling (via Google StreetView) to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. 

Known as Land of the Thunder Dragon, it's at the eastern end of the Himalayas, bordered by India and China. 

Flag of Bhutan

And wow! It was amazing to travel so many high and sometimes narrow mountain roads. At times, we were looking DOWN at the clouds. 

I was charmed by two young schoolgirls. I came across them at a large school complex high up in the mountains. I imagined them being "BFF's", as they leaned in toward each other, whispering secrets and gathering flowers. 

Here is the original location I chose 

(can click on images to enlarge):

And the finished painting from Bhutan:

"Bhutan Best Friends"

6 x 9 sketchbook

acrylics

Happy Painting,

Retta

PS: Remember, the Virtual Paintout gang is free to join, and we go to a new location somewhere in the world each month. No pressure, just paint as you have time. Visit the Virtual Paintout blog for all the deets! 

Virtual Paintout 22: Touched by Hands

Bangladesh was the destination for our February Virtual Paintout. 

I found beauty there, but it was also heartbreaking. Everywhere I saw the women and girls wearing colorfully beautiful clothing, yet there was obvious poverty. The villages and parts of the cities were so sad, yet there was beauty in the countryside.

An old gentleman, squatting with his hands on his knees, caught my eye. It was his hands... old, knobby and with a story to tell... that touched me.

Here is the original location of my painting:

And here is my painting, done from my heart in response to his Hands (can image to enlarge).

"Hands"

Tongi, Bangladesh

6 x 9 sketchbook; acrylics

Happy painting,

Retta