Painting the magnificent Virupaksha Temple in Hampi from the hilltop was an unforgettable experience. From this elevated viewpoint, I had the opportunity to take in the vast panoramic landscape of this ancient historical town and capture the imposing presence of the temple within its dramatic surroundings.
Working plein air in the intense midday heat was both challenging and deeply rewarding. As the sun gradually moved westward, the light across the temple, rocks, trees, and landscape kept shifting, constantly changing the colors, shadows, and atmosphere. I had to work quickly and make decisions in response to these fleeting changes in light.
With this original watercolor art, my intention was not simply to document the architecture of Virupaksha Temple, but to capture the scale, atmosphere, light, and spirit of Hampi—the feeling of standing on that hill and looking across a landscape shaped by centuries of history.
For me, this Hampi painting is as much about the experience of being there as it is about the monument itself. It is a celebration of painting directly from life and experiencing India's remarkable heritage through the eyes of a plein air artist.
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Size: 20x15 Inch
Creation date & place: Sep 2026, Hampi, Karnataka (INDIA)
Original watercolor art & prints.
