Rouse Building

Rouse Building, 2006. Watercolor, acrylic, conte, gouache and graphite on paper, 32 x 22”

This piece is a personal fusion of two buildings from two distinct times in my life.

One is the Rouse Building in Columbia, Maryland, where my father worked for many years. As a child, I was enchanted by its modern, almost Californian design—glass walls, layered decks, and lush greenery spilling from every level. It felt alive, playful, and full of possibility.

Years later, while living with my Aunt Emilia in India, I found myself surrounded by terracotta reds, vibrant turquoise, and golden rain-washed stucco. The view from her kitchen window during monsoon season was unforgettable. The architecture of Calcutta and the colors of Delhi stirred memories of the Rouse Building, and the two places began to merge in my mind.

This painting captures that blend—an emotional cityscape where urban structure meets organic form. Created with pastel, watercolor, gouache, and graphite, it reflects the vibrant dance of memory, place, and time.

Perfect for collectors of travel-inspired art, architectural drawings, and original mixed media works, this piece speaks to those drawn to urban design, global color palettes, and personal storytelling through art.