Learning to paint from Sadhu Aliyur sir

Painting trees is one of my most favorite things to do. I love foliage and can never get tired of painting or sketching their different hues. I have improved a bit on my technique, all thanks to Sadhu Aliyur sir and practice. Apart from the technique, I think what I learnt the most from Sadhu sir is his passion for work and his immense patience. He has a very unassuming, nonchalant air when painting - If the artwork is ruined, it is ruined ( and it is really ruined in watercolor!All those wasted sheets!) - now move on to the next sheet of paper and try it again. In the midst of all that practice and those failed attempts, once in a while you get something you're happy with. An effect that is brilliant maybe or light and shade that is captured correctly in your sketchbook.  And this 'once in a while', is enough to sustain an interest and make you want to paint more.

I think Sadhu sir will paint at any time of the day ( or night) - all he would need is some paper, brushes and paint. He would make ordinary paper look like masterpieces while the rest of us would probably tear them by using too much water, too little paint, wrong brushstrokes and plain impatience! Neatly dressed, his clothes impeccable, he will lay a flat wash of clean water, wait a few minutes, squint, and get to work. He gets everything ready, looks at the paper for a while, but the actual painting is finished in less than 15 minutes. It is quite magical to watch. Where a few splatters of paint in blue and violet - a dramatic sky would appear or in the seemingly random brushstrokes of yellow ochre and brown, a beach near the sea with lovely boats in its eddies. He works with the precision only masters have - a measured rhythm when painting and a measured pause to compose the painting as he sees it before starting to work on it.

All of us would splatter paint around. He would watch amused. He would say - "I have finished the painting. Do you see even a drop of paint on my shirt." And yes, his clothes would still be impeccable.

I am grateful that I got a chance to learn from him.  He still conducts classes at Sampratishta - https://sampratishta.org/visual-arts-diploma-courses-we-offer/ If you are someone interested in learning watercolors, or improving your skill -  I strongly recommend Sadhu sir's classes.