The Journey thus far
I started my journey of exploring the watercolours in 1990 at National Academy of Direct Taxes during the Foundation course at Nagpur. The serene campus, exposure to vising artists and huge collection of Art books helped me in this exploration. The crowd there was very encouraging and appreciative which largely helped. The critical suggestions made me quickly evolve my own independent style. I was painting almost 3-5 works in week. This culminated in my parting gift to the Academy a 8' x 6' oil on canvas which was unveiled by the then Mos Finance during our valediction in April 1992.
The First Solo
At Jalandhar I happened to meet several eminent artists at Apeejay College of Fine Arts which resulted in formation of Panjab Arts Heritage, a body which organised Artist shows and workshops for there years 1994-1997. Here I came in contact with Prem Singh and Shiv Singh two celebrated artists and resulted in a lifelong influence and friendship. Inspired by them I did my first solo at Panjab Lalit Kala Gallery Chandigarh in 1994.
A Series of Solo Shows
The Exposure to eminent Artists of Panjab Haryana Chandigarh Delhi & Himachal through Panjab Art Heritage got my creative energies to full steam. This resulted in lot production and several solo shows including at Lalit Kala Delhi 1995 and 1996, AIFACS Delhi 1996, Panjab Lalit Kala Chandigarh1997, Jalandhar GymKhana 1997, IndusInd Gallery Chandigarh 1998.
The Solo at Mumbai
In 1999 I was lucky to get a solo at Taj Art gallery Mumbai. This was an huge opportunity as well as exposure for me. For the first time I got a taste of the commercial power my works and was able to sell several of my works. I realised when people invest in your work that is the true appreciation of the quality of your work
Going Digital
2000s were the years when Internet took over and everything started going digital. Suddenly the works could be seen globally without having to host a physical show . I created digital copies of my works and hosted them at several online galleries. I also created my own website displayed my works there.
Experimenting with Oil Pastels
The magical pastels of Edgar Degas always fascinated me. I admired the fine finishes of colours of his Ballet dancers. Inspired by his works I did a series of works in Oil pastels to explore the boundaries of my expression. This phase culminated in my solo exhibition at the IndusInd Art gallery in Chandigarh in 2002
Seeing the European masters
I had an opportunity to study for my MBA at University of Birmingham,England. The in house Barber Institute of Fine Arts one of the finest small art gallery of Europe exposed me to the originals and to admire their ingenuity. I also had several occasions to visit Amsterdam and Paris and see original Van Gogh, Vermer Picasso, Monet, Manet, Turner and other masters. This exposure took my creativity to a new level.
Using the Dutch pigments and French paper
I had an opportunity to visit Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam. I bought windmill crushed original color pigments from De Cat. In Paris, the Monte Marte watercolorists introduced me Acid free deckle edged watercolour paper. A magical combination of the two resulted in some truly amazing works which had tremendous use of water flow and light. These works just sold off on the fly.
The Home Run
In 2014 we constructed our home. My wife insisted we will only have my paintings on the walls with one condition, the all have to be freshly made watercolors. I made a series of creative watercolors which till date adorn our walls. In 2016 we has a management program with IIM Bengaluru and my batchmates wanted me to present my works to the IIM, two paintings were specially made for them and are displayed there.
Big size and Acrylics
For a very long time I have been wanting to explore the large sizes and try to implement my techniques in a different media. This has results in use acrylics and going for bigger sizes of canvases. Acrylics like watercolours is quick drying medium if no retardants are used. It offers the same challenge of speed painting. The results are here to see, lets see how long this fad lasts. In the meanwhile 5' x 10 metre watercolour paper rolls of Canson Montval have also become available and my works in watercolours will also be in larger sizes.
My Own Gallery
Finally what I always dreamt of having my own gallery and studio space. Finally it is here and I am so thankful to God for fulfilling my dream. Do visit and enjoy & my works as also see me at work.
Walk in, you don't need to be a buyer but just an admirer!
Nature Photgraphy
A have been an avid bird and butterfly watcher. The new home in Mullanpur brought me next to a reserve forest. It had abundant bird and butterfly population. A good DSLR camera was all I needed. And soon enough a fascinating journey of exploring the true colors of nature began. I have now collected more than 365 species of bird and butterfly phonographs. They are hosted on my website Birds of Mullanpur.com and Butterflies of Mullanpur.com
Making Movie Shorts
The transition into making shorts was but and inevitable foray. With so many photographs and short clips of birds and butterflies, I just had to join them together and create a narrative. The Story of Piloo was the first one and lead to creation of YouTube channel- The Birds and Butterflies of Mullanpur. Subsequently this short was accepted as entry in several short film festivals and won accolades.
