Painting in Watercolor Has Changed My Life - With Rajiv Surendra (Keynote Speech)

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2 ай бұрын

Last year Rajiv was invited to speak at the Semi-Permanent creative conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Rajiv's spoke about his watercolor practice and how it has taught him to see, and to look at life in a new way. We are delighted to present this speech to you and thank Semi-Permanent for filming, editing and sharing this footage with our channel.
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Пікірлер: 237

@Cloudsandcrystalz 2 ай бұрын

If Rajiv was a professor, all his classes / courses would have waiting lists ❤

@janinafisher101 Ай бұрын

LONG waiting lists...

@gwencrosswhite9329 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv’s words for life: Take the stairs. Your words about humility and repetition are wonderful and so important. Attempting is humbling but with persistence can lead to mastery.

@TheLounika21 2 ай бұрын

Made me cry. Thanks for the reminder that the light only exists because the shadow does at well

@dianecourtney2724 2 ай бұрын

I love our very own Renaissance man Rajiv 🥰✌🏼

@TheDabshear Ай бұрын

I was moved and touched by your journey… I am an avid watercolorist and teacher of watercolor. I paint passionately everyday and am so lucky to have this urge to get to work painting each morning…. I am lucky because I have this purpose and drive to create as I have friends who don’t know what to do with themselves everyday. I paint the light and the movement of the ocean and it restores my soul… Thank you for sharing!

@jeannerolig6042 2 ай бұрын

I chose to take the stairs. I chose to skip the subway. You confirm these choices, to capture more from this world than just getting from point A to point B. Thank you, Rajiv. You have found your reason for living in this world, and you are willing and more-than-able to share that reason with us all.

@janessatravis9526 2 ай бұрын

We moved my mom next door right before COVID. I started painting with watercolor again with her guidance. We both received a fine arts degree at Penn State. She graduated in 1975 and I graduated in 2003. Her focus was watercolor. By the time I attended, watercolor wasn't being taught. I asked an older oil painting student why she preferred oils and she said, "Watercolors are like chalk and oils are like chocolate." Looking back, my oil paintings were so diluted and watery.😂 I ended up with a ceramics degree and teaching in public schools. I still love clay, but there is something so magical about capturing light and a moment and that adding deep shadows at the end of a painting is just as satisfying as trimming a foot on a pot or unloading a kiln. Thank you for giving watercolor the respect it deserves.

@kh884488 2 ай бұрын

Lol, I started out with oils, but now prefer WC. Oils are great, but very inconvenient when it comes to travel, and very expensive when it comes to framing.

@amber588 2 ай бұрын

I picked up water colour as a teenager - honestly didn't give much thought about it - and now as an adult use oils and have never looked back! After watching this video and reading your comment, I think I want to try and use water colour and master it. That's funny what you're saying about your oil paintings though, lol, your heart was always calling out for it seems. Also the clean-up and set-up of watercolours seems like a dream compared to oils....no more scraping the palette....no more mediums; so appealing lol.

@pamelabateman9211 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv- You are the real deal! If I ever find a Magic Lamp and a Genie comes out and asks me my wish I will reply " Please let Rajiv be my neighbor so we can be friends and visit with each other"

@carolynthompson6518 2 ай бұрын

Me too. He has changed how I look at life So inspirational ♥️

@OsmanthusFlower 2 ай бұрын

Couldn’t agree more👍🏼!

@livingcooking4659 2 ай бұрын

Yes! ☺️

@sophieoshaughnessy9469 2 ай бұрын

Oh yes. Just little moments with Rajiiv. Lovely guy

@maryegerton6848 2 ай бұрын

I bought water colours and the proper paper at an art store. I felt intimidated and had no idea how or where to start, so I never did. But now I do. So I will. Thank you Rajiv.

@anamenendez1997 2 ай бұрын

Marvelous and eloquent! Rajiv is a treasure and a true Renaissance man!

@carlarivas1238 2 ай бұрын

It’s people like Rajiv that bring beauty and serenity into our world. A tremendous thank you.

@editjakintana4692 2 ай бұрын

❤❤❤ Thank you Rajiv for coming to Welly! I sat next to someone who whispered 'I love him!'. The emcee said he loves him, and everyone was abuzz with delight after the talk ❤❤❤

@coloredmyhandsgold 2 ай бұрын

"A master can see the beauty in almost anything " that line!!!!

@nostraa6125 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv, a home run! After binge watching nearly all your videos, over the past few months, this one brings almost everything together in one place, so I can understand your life philosophy. You have a place in my heart. Thanks.

@rajivsurendra 2 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@elisabethvismans 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv, I feel you don’t only make art. You live art. High quality art. I’m a self taught oil painter capturing lights and darks in quick brushstrokes. I’m also an instructor teaching my students to paint with their hearts and souls. They tell me that they haven’t only learned to paint but to see and think differently. It’s a fulfilling journey coming home.

@aj-yi6os 2 ай бұрын

I don’t know who reads these comments ( probably no one) but you inspire me in every project you do . This one was especially beautiful. I love to watercolor. I love everything about it. Thank you so much Rajiv❤

@marionandrews176 2 ай бұрын

As usual, I could listen to Rajiv for hours. He’s inspiring me to pick up my pencil again and start sketching.

@susandorward2293 2 ай бұрын

About 45 years ago, I started on my watercolor journey. The filters in my world changed through the years. My lesson learned was to be able to see the beauty in the smalls of life. Stand still and look until you feel it. Then, put the journey on the paper.

@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660 2 ай бұрын

We ❤U Rajiv!!! We need more people like you in this world🙏

@bfranklin1052 2 ай бұрын

I loved that you shared those moments of Halloween night on the bridge in the moonlight. I've been brought to tears with the beauty of dew on pine needles on an early morning walk. Slowing down and truly seeing the gifts that surround us come from a quiet, considered life and I'm so joyous whenever you post new content that shares it. Thank you, Rajiv🙏🏼

@DD-zm1uu 2 ай бұрын

My husband and I just returned home to the States after 1 month in Europe. We walked 300 miles; living out of backpacks. Simplicity, enjoying the sites at a much slower pace, and yes, taking the stairs. I too enjoy watercolor, and signed up for my first class a few months ago. I so appreciate your advice on the importance of locating a good teacher. Unfortunately, mine had no patience. She was geared towards teaching more advanced students. I so love her work, but decided to revert back to my “KZfaq University” classes instead. Your words inspire me to search again. Not to give up. I love your artwork, and I enjoy the content that you put out.

@carolannefisher1516 2 ай бұрын

Thank you simply for being you, Rajiv.

@dianestrickland2685 Ай бұрын

Thank you, Rajiv. This was compelling, instructive, transforming. After a life working with words and then fabric, I am 6 months into watercolours. So humbling. I understand more now. I'm 68. To see a younger person offering more than I yet know is thrilling.

@Kim-qt7yn 2 ай бұрын

From this day forward, I will always think of you Rajiv when I take the stairs.

@kattales1108 Ай бұрын

I saw Lady Agnew at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh Scotland. When I returned home, I ordered a canvas painting of her which hangs in my living room along with a watercolor lavender thistle I painted. I do like many of John Singer Sargent paintings.

@anamariamonteroborges4655 2 ай бұрын

Excellent excellent Rajiv than you for your testimony of Love in every thing that you do. You are my teacher!!! “Beauty will save the world “

@ShawnBliss-r5i Ай бұрын

Rajiv I absolutely adore you, and your approach to home, and life. I am a 71 year old man and it is always wonderful to find people and things that inspire me to be happy and grateful for the things in life that I love, my home being one of them.

@mgpm17 2 ай бұрын

I'm also a watercolorist. I started painting as a way to cope with chronic pain. I just watched people online and took instruction that way. Six years later and while I'm still learning, I'm able to make things that please me---sometimes. 😉. JSS is amazing and is one of my favorites also. What kind of paper and paint do you use? As ever, I remain a joyful fan of yours Rajiv ❤️

@mgpm17 2 ай бұрын

Oh, and your work is amazing!!!!!

@mgpm17 2 ай бұрын

You made me cry with the moon. And the 'seeing and the holding'. xo

@leigilmore 2 ай бұрын

Your speech was not overstated - great message. This will stick with me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom so thoughtfully, Rajiv!

@laurasombra628 2 ай бұрын

What I also took from this lecture was: the process of learning something is a beautiful and exhilarating thing. And what a gift you have to be able to convey that in such a inspiring and sensitive manner, Rajiv. More often than not, great teachers are also great students themselves.

@doublescorpions 2 ай бұрын

Oh, Rajeev, what a wonderful life lecture! I felt your emotion while you spoke about the moon. Like all your videos you are are a delight to listen to! S.

@lindabardes9974 2 ай бұрын

How inspiring. I found the end to be especially profound for me. That the light only shines on the paper when the dark strokes are added. Puts a different meaning to my life’s struggles. Thank you.

@janetmonaghan5419 2 ай бұрын

I am just starting to learn watercolours and i,m 79 you have shown me how patient i need to be, you are a treasure Rajiv, i love following your life, stay humble my friend its beautifyl.xx

@AmbrosiaK 2 ай бұрын

I love how you delve into your journeys and go 100%. Thanks for sharing them.

@yart123 2 ай бұрын

This was so inspiring, beautiful and thought provoking; then again, it’s Rajiv ❤.

@Muffy.from-Oz 2 ай бұрын

Thank you Rajiv for so much insight. I recently started Urban sketching again which I used to do when I was in my late teens. I am now 75. My first attempts look more like heavy awkward Gouache. I know I need to stop being precious and remember the process is for me. Your journey has brought that home to me. I am at the beginning , not the end. Cheers, Muffy from Oz.

@floraluxla 2 ай бұрын

This was such a beautiful, humble, and vulnerable speech. Thank you for sharing your beauty and inspiring all of us to do the same. ❤

@rinipegka 2 ай бұрын

A keynote about living deeply, intentionally, mindfully. Thank you.

@janelte 2 ай бұрын

This made me cry, Rajiv. Such beautiful, EXPERIENCED wisdom, gained from the practice of living well. thank to those who made it possible for us to share this video.

@tracyleecornish5398 Ай бұрын

What an amazing Human Being. If only we all looked around and took the time to live in the momen,t to be Thankful for simple things, and to be grateful for each day. I commend this young man with so much insight for his age. An incredible speech. Thank You for sharing and take the pretty way the long way the stairs.

@adelamoon 2 ай бұрын

To see the beauty in everything...I do that everyday. I have my favorite trees, flowers that I like looking at on my way to work everyday. The ivy that grows off the train overpass. I love forward to seeing these things everyday.

@mariAAAAAA_r 2 ай бұрын

This is romance, living and breathing art even at the mundane So beautiful

@Thejjudy 2 ай бұрын

Funny coincidence, i just commented on your video on how to clean your paint brushes how much i would love a painting video. Not what i anticipated, but even better! Your videos bring so much inspiration to me, thank you for that!

@Mina_Susnjevic 2 ай бұрын

Brilliant speech! I really enjoyed it❤ And being drawn myself into the watercolor painting world, this was so relatable. Listening to you Rajiv and watching my Sargent poster “Gondola Moorings on the Grand Canal” just helped me finally understand why I love this painting and why I was terrified to copy it. But, no longer. Try and fail and learn and repeat until it becomes what fulfills me. Thank you! 😊

@rajivsurendra 2 ай бұрын

Yes, don't be scared! Thanks for watching.

@Englishroserebecca 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv you are the best kind of human being. I feel sad when I see so much of the toxic junk on the internet and it concerns me that young people fill their heads with all of it. Thank goodness there are people like you out there. Your enthusiasm for everything is so inspiring. You enrich peoples lives and you are responsible for the hundreds of pieces of thrifted china in my apartment 😂🤣🤦‍♀️. but thats a good thing too. Enjoyed this video so much. Bless your heart. Keep making more videos please. X

@jennifertoliver9546 2 ай бұрын

My youngest attended OCAD-U and spent 2018 in Florence where we visited! Then Pienza, Orvieto and Porto Ercole, it was lovely and the Architecture fed my soul! Then Gillian graduated and she swept the awards, I wish my Dad was alive to see it, he broke his neck on his Gold Wing and took to sculpting and he was so proud when I was accepted to OCAD, He would have busted his buttons!

@lucib8497 2 ай бұрын

It’s amazing when your way of seeing changes. I’m constantly amazed at the nuance of color around me. I often stop to notice and to be witness to the transition of light. It’s like the universe conspired to give me a gift. My practice has deepened since working with watercolor, so I agree that it can change your life. I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in this experience.

@lauranewton7732 2 ай бұрын

I appreciate your gentle way of communicating your thoughts and your humble demeanor. You are authentic and a wonderful gem. Thank you for sharing.

@nishasankaran 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv, come to Houston to speak or something! Several cities in the US need you to help us 'see' 💘

@user-qy2kw9kx3o 2 ай бұрын

What a stunningly beautiful speech. The master craftsman at work in yet another medium.

@leticiafaxas6069 2 ай бұрын

I admire your dedication to education and your work ethic. I love your passion for teaching and learning and beauty. I hope someday someone will see how special you are and will pay you lots of money to make a show about all your favorite things and pursuits …that you will never have to worry about money again but be able to focus on and share all your artistic talents and adventures.

@savitriseegobin3818 2 ай бұрын

Thank you is all i can say. To express in any other way would rob me the feelings and emotions i am left with.❤.

@rajivsurendra 2 ай бұрын

Thank YOU for watching ;-)

@cynthia2233 2 ай бұрын

Your watercolor paintings are VERY impressive! Love hearing your talk about anything and then showing how it affects your life!

@katpaints Ай бұрын

It is fascinating to watch someone who understands what watercolors can be! I have watched different artists declare how horrible watercolors are. I have learned that they have not given in to what they cannot control and since they insist that control is the most important thing, the watercolorist is not respected. The joy they miss is deep. I painted for decades before I found a local community college summer class out in the Columbia River Gorge. I struggled a bit but then discovered I no longer wanted to paint what was not sitting in front of me. Catching sunshine and shadow was the challenge!

@janinafisher101 Ай бұрын

I think that the beauty of watercolours is being able to go with the flow while still being able to get the result you want. It is a little like magic, and having control over every aspect of a painting will never get us that magic!

@ShirleyDeeDesigns 23 күн бұрын

I don’t know anyone who is more talented in so many mediums than Rajiv!

@bonnerdebbie 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Rajiv, incredibly inspiring speech!

@susanphend2189 2 ай бұрын

Fabulous! I thank you, Rajiv. 🙏

@maureenm. Ай бұрын

What a beautiful soul. I wish you would give a talk on writing. I am sure you have tried this creative as well. Thank you for making life so beautiful.

@issyness8658 2 ай бұрын

Fabulous as usual! Thank you AGAIN Rajiv!!

@elizabethblaker555 2 ай бұрын

I loved this talk -- thank you for posting it! Very inspiring!

@Winstonsmom 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely lovely. Thank You.

@Lostbutnotfrgotten 2 ай бұрын

Well said plein air is a beautiful technique that is Magical in a sense ,Watercolors has changed my perspective dramatically. Painting at different times is amazing the way light is seen is like a Gift from God himself.much love thanks for sharing❤

@pamelapeters3342 2 ай бұрын

This was wonderful!

@carolfago223 2 ай бұрын

Wow thank you so much. You’re such an inspiration. Thank you. Thank you.

@Alex47783 2 ай бұрын

I loved seeing you give this talk - it was a highlight of the whole event. Looking forward to watching it again.

@Shrn57 2 ай бұрын

Beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂❤️

@mj2you22 18 күн бұрын

Rajiv...you bring artistry to everything you do and you do so much. I appreciate you endlessly ❤

@janeyjanedee2493 2 ай бұрын

Love this so much!

@user-os2zy2dp6j 2 ай бұрын

Brilliant. Inspirational. Thought-provoking.

@santisanti8386 13 күн бұрын

Before even beginning to watch, I can say YES YES YES! Painting in watercolor completely changed me! Off to the video!

@adriannademadriguera4859 2 ай бұрын

What a joy. Thanks for sharing this. You are amazing.😊🌹😘

@smallmoments957 Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this beautiful presentation.

@michellepereira2328 2 ай бұрын

I’ve recently started painting and until this time I never payed attention to the different shades of color that are right in front of me in everything. Rajiv is really someone special and it is always a pleasure to see what he is up to.

@Artmingle 2 ай бұрын

You are amazing. Period . Thank you ❤

@noralockspeed 2 ай бұрын

Heidi… you are simply extraordinary! Keep on learning and sharing your knowledge. You make me so grateful! 😊

@trinidiana 2 ай бұрын

This was wonderful, he is wonderful!

@annboswell4436 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv i knew it. In a you tube video you referred to Marcelo not using his las n ame. I took lessons from him in Miami ar t he Bakehouse. He moved to NY.. in one class he pointed out. That I was not painting within the lines of my drawing. This was one pf he indicators that I was losing ,y central vision to Macular Degenneration. Take care of yout eyes and hugs to Marcelo Daidoce.

@rajivsurendra 2 ай бұрын

Yes! Marcelo lived in Miami for a while. He's so, so, so, good, and I'm very grateful to be learning from him. Thank you for watching.

@jimjimgl3 2 ай бұрын

So exciting to see your painting progress. I make things because of the sense of accomplishment but also the thrill of prowess. Getting that idea in your head out into a form or onto a paper is so satisfying.

@Wintersnow147 2 ай бұрын

Great video so inspiring. I could feel every word! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@susanmerila4958 2 ай бұрын

I found myself hanging on your every word! ...and nodding my head as I have experienced so many similar feelings. Thank you for revealing your thoughts, feelings and creative process so candidly.

@joymitchell-alderman1494 Ай бұрын

Love him so much Rajiv makes me laugh out loud with delight!

@lorifontaine 2 ай бұрын

What a gift this keynote speech was! So grateful it was shared. The description of the full moon illuminating a slow ride on a bike made me weep with the sheer beauty of it. Thank you.

@melahatali2104 2 ай бұрын

Very insightful. Thank you, Rajiv ❤

@DJKBrooklyn 2 ай бұрын

I've lived in the wake of seeing the figural sketches of George B. Bridgman for decades. They leave me breathless. What a fantastic speech and what a lovely way to live.

@DaisyDebs 2 ай бұрын

Excellent ! Really enjoyed ! ⭐⭐✨✨

@samanthamorris1287 2 ай бұрын

I love this so much ❤.. Very inspirational. I'd love to listen to Rajiv for an afternoon. I just love his outlook on life and art

@harmonywhalan4877 Ай бұрын

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS! ❤ Rajiv is just such a fascinating person!

@JeremyMadeArt 2 ай бұрын

This is incredibly inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

@kimhobby8136 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! This is rare ...

@denasewell Ай бұрын

Emily Hughes is an artist here on youtube she is not a world-renowned grand master artist but she is very talented portrait artist who paints with gouache and I have really grown as an artist following her channel ...she has 100 faces challenge and I highly recommend even advanced artists like you to follow other artists. I have learned so much from my peers than art school. Your calligraphy is next level which I am sure you are aware but who ever gets tired of being told how awesome they are? Thank you for sharing this! You truly inspire me with every single video I watch. Much love and many blessings my friend.❤‍🔥

@joann5157 2 ай бұрын

Rajiv.......you are an amazing man. Such profound insights in a talk about watercolor. You truly "get" life.

@annettetoohey8934 2 ай бұрын

WOW! Loved it!

@ah8064 13 күн бұрын

Stellar. ✨ Just stellar and just what I needed to hear today. Thank you, Rajiv. Love your interior design and other creative videos as well.

@utahdan231 2 ай бұрын

Very inspiring speech. No surprise here.

@DuluthTW 2 ай бұрын

This is a very valuable lesson everyone needs to hear. Thanks for sharing!

@thomaswschaller Ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this Rajiv - Inspiring!!

@kathleenfredrickson8593 2 ай бұрын

Perfect. Thank you. I want to paint now.

@eileenhoney6426 2 ай бұрын

Awesome. Would be a great college graduation speech. Your discipline blows my mind. Love your videos.

@cuddlemuff6632 2 ай бұрын

I really loved hearing you talk about the moon on the Williamsburg Bridge on Halloween. So evocative! Thanks for this eloquent talk on watercolour painting and your trip to Florence and Rome. As always, it's a supreme pleasure to listen to you.

@dianecourtney2724 2 ай бұрын

Crazy how happy the Bike ride over the Williamsburg Bridge makes me 😂😂🥰