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"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
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My Story
If there's one thing that has brought peace and solace to my well-being, that's painting with watercolors. It seemed mundane, to go to after-school classes day after day for several years while I was growing up in a little township called Kalpakkam, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu that had a huge scientific community - both my parents/pillars, Rita and Late Bidyut Saha were Scientists. I learnt Hindustani Classical music for twelve years and Indian Classical Dance - Bharatnatyam, and Drawing & Painting for almost ten years, day-after-day, week-after-week!
In addition, my sister Nandita (now a Lifestyle & Accessory Designer & my personal curator!) and I had the advantage of learning several languages as we spent all our childhood in the midst of a diverse community with people from all around the country. We were brought up in a very protective yet competitive environment with very limited access to a lot things that I consider unnecessary; we were happy. It's only when I left the township and got into the "Real World", that I realized what a secured lifestyle I had, and how not easy it was once out of the cocoon. I was a Learning & Development Professional for a long time, but something was missing. I began reminiscing about the teachers and mentors who were a part of that important up-bringing, and started painting again. It brought purpose to my life, my identity, and I have been painting every single day since then! I'd like to thank all the teachers in my creative world, including my Art teacher, Mrs. Ramani Purniah, for teaching me how to hold a brush and laying a strong foundation that helped me develop my own techniques over a period. They were not just after-school classes, they were stepping stones to an absolutely rewarding Artist in me! It's not mundane anymore; the process is therapeutic and the result organic! Thanks to the two heroes of my Art World - Roland Lee and Fabio Cembranelli, for inspiring and guiding me with their amazing skills and continued feedback. I have been following their work since 2007, and had the privilege of meeting them after twelve years! I am very grateful to my friends who gave me the initial nudge to share my artwork with the world. Thanks to the wonderful people who have and continue to come to the various art & craft events that I participate in. The support and encouragement truly keeps me going! And then, there are two very important people that stand by me today - my husband Ameya and daughter Diya, without whom none of this is possible. It's an ocean out there; hardwork, practice, and determination can truly make dreams come true! |
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Landscape Paintings Hero!
Roland Lee is not only one of the best landscape artists I know, but he is an amazing human being! Roland's paintings make me want to go to those places; he can make any ordinary scene look extraordinary. I attended his workshop in January 2019, and then another in February 2020, in St. George, Utah. I learnt concepts like lights, shadows, soft & hard edges, negative painting, and more. What a wealth of knowledge I received, and what fabulous friends I made! Roland encouraged me to visit Zion National Park. I was in awe of Zion and took a lot of pictures. I was very excited to paint from one of them at his Master Class. Roland continues to share his feedback about my work, and guides me every step of the way. More about Roland at www.rolandlee.com |
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Floral Paintings Hero!
Fabio Cembranelli is one of the finest impressionist painters of flowers. I attended his workshop in September 2019 in Folsom, California. I was always terrified of loose watercolor techniques, but Fabio's lessons were made to look so simple and fast, and in no time I learnt to paint what always seemed complex to me - Roses! The way Fabio controls water on paper is magical; and now, I can apply the technique to any flower!! Thanks Fabio! The average age of our wonderful group in Folsom was probably 65-70, and I learnt so much from them! More about Fabio at www.fabiocembranelli.com |
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A Prized Possession - "DaintlyMade"
I religiously send every painting of mine to my sister Nandita in great anticipation of her feedback. As a designer, she has a perfect sense of perspective, including lights and shadows. Her critique has helped me improve my technique with every painting. Little did I know, that she was compiling all my paintings in the form of a beautiful book titled "DaintlyMade". One of my most prized possessions, as the Preface to this book was written by my mother Rita and Late father Bidyut Saha. Nandita also helped me design this website!
I religiously send every painting of mine to my sister Nandita in great anticipation of her feedback. As a designer, she has a perfect sense of perspective, including lights and shadows. Her critique has helped me improve my technique with every painting. Little did I know, that she was compiling all my paintings in the form of a beautiful book titled "DaintlyMade". One of my most prized possessions, as the Preface to this book was written by my mother Rita and Late father Bidyut Saha. Nandita also helped me design this website!
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Disclaimer: No image or content may be reproduced by any means without the artist's written consent. Thank you for being honest.