My First Oil Painting

This is my first oil painting, done on a 14 x 10" canvas board. I painted this tropical seascape in 1975. To be exact on the 7th.January. On a  freezing day during the severe Indiana winter, memory of a warm balmy land - that I had to leave behind to move on in life,  inspired me to attempt this oil.  

Since the day I was a middle school student, I had a desire to paint and believed that I could, if I try. Lack of opportunities and unavailability of paints, brushes & other materials in  towns in India where I grew up, did not help me to pursue this hobby.

Great oils of Raja Ravi Varma, whose canvases adorn the walls of Chitralayam in Trivandrum and works of other masters are sources of  my inspiration. Art Books from the Goshen Public Library and bookstores - including many that sell used books -, Art magazines, etc. have helped to fine tune my skills.