Being An Artist
We all know that to be able to draw, or paint, or even to possess all the necessary technical painting skills, does not make one an artist. Every work of art is initiated with love and passion, and is an expression of the sum total of the artists personality. Technical skill is definitely required; but it is merely the tool to communicate ones message.
The thing that makes one artist different from another is attitude, and what makes an artist different from a non-artist is attitude. By attitude I do not mean growing a beard or acting in a certain way that one might expect of an artist. Rather, it is ones way of looking at things and observing the world in a kind of detached sort of way.
While I am sketching or painting outdoors, a sensation arises as if I am watching a movie or dreaming. I am fully involved with the scene, but somewhere inside, I am different. It is like being relaxed in my armchair. The beauty of the world becomes enhanced. This is a very pleasing sensation and, I think it is one of the best gifts of being an artist.
My Gurus, Teachers and other persons who have influenced me
I am an artist solely because of my father, who is a great painter/illustrator. Neither he nor I can remember a time that he actually taught me to draw, but I follow so naturally everything that he used to do.
In my formative years I had the privilege of interacting with two of my fathers friends. Both are respected Indian artists:
Ravi Paranjape and Shivaji Tupe. Ravi Paranjpe has a unique style of his own and a very great sense for design and color and, although my style of painting is unlike his, his influence will remain with me the rest of my life. Shivaji Tupe, is true a saintly figure who quietly sketches and paints watercolor continually. He is a most accomplished watercolorist and uses no gimmicks. My painting technique is not like his either, but he is a continual inspiration to me.
I began painting watercolor landscapes with my father very early in my childhood, but it wasnt until I saw some watercolors byEdward Wesson in a magazine that I became hooked forever. Later I became inspired by and learned a great deal from many western artists through their books. Below is a list of some of them who either directly and indirectly influenced me. The list also includes some of my favorite artists with a brief comment on what I admire most about their work. I do this to pay my gratitude and respect.