The Brooding Yogi

Meditation and spiritualism seems to have influenced the artists choice of subject. Sadhus and yogis, because of their distinctive look and attitude have often caught the attention of artistes at all times. Oil on canvas, in any case, is adopted from the west. Add to that Rembrandt's technique of chiaroscuro; an Indian theme and lo and behold! We have a masterpiece. The most outstanding feature of this painting is the treatment of light and shade. The artist has used deep variations and subtle gradation of light and shade, enhancing the delineation of character.

Figurative realism finds favour here. The yogi's stare into space attracts the viewer more than a direct look. The rugged physique, the sun darkened body and rough, callous face combine with the entangled hair, graying in the sun to give him a look of belonging to another world. The light is directional: falling from the right, causing the man to flinch. He does not carry any mark on his forehead, and wears rudraksha beads in the neck. The brooding expression and the piercing gaze is sure to hound the viewer for long.

The background consists of various hues of cool colours.