8^th September 2025 Beena

Recently, I had the long-awaited chance to attend a class reunion in Kanyakumari. The excitement and nervousness of reconnecting with my classmates after forty years were undeniable. When the moment finally arrived, the reunion was quiet but filled with the warmth of shared memories.

On the first morning in Kanyakumari, I was greeted by a breathtaking view. The sun was rising, casting a gentle glow on the sky and painting it with pastel shades. Amidst this peaceful scene, I came across a small church or chapel, its white architecture standing out against the morning light. The beauty of this scene, reminiscent of a similar church in Goree Island, Senegal, from 2003, left a lasting impression on me.

I was unsure how to capture that beautiful morning, but I finally succeeded using soft pastels. The challenge in this painting was depicting the church and the vehicles on the road. I included my girls (Zara, Mika, and Yumi) in this piece. I had to layer colours many times before achieving the look I wanted. I hope you enjoy this painting I created from the photo I took.

There is a special quality to quiet mornings that I find very calming. After my walk, I felt a sense of tranquillity that I hope resonates with you. I would love to hear your thoughts on any part of this story or my art. The name of this chapel is St Michael Archangel Church at Kanyakumari.