KOCHI: When compared to all other visual art forms done in mediums such as acrylic and oil, there is a certain charm to paintings done in water colour. This, according to artist G N Madhu, help to capture moments in the best possible way. Madhu who has carved a niche of his own in the international space for his watercolours has been painting landscapes with a very lively touch.
This Kottayam-based artist believes in creating paintings using difficult mediums. At a time when most artists are shifting to mediums such as acrylic and oil, Madhu likes to experiment with watercolours. “I was interested in water colour paintings from my childhood and this interest led to my opting for Fine Arts. From then, I have been painting and have presented my paintings abroad too,” said G N Madhu, artist.
Madhu is an avid traveller with a keen passion for watercolours. His exploration gave him the opportunity to work with several well-known artists in India and abroad. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Madhu is known for his ability to capture the soul of his vision and embed it in his works. His paintings exhibited at the Indiyam Art Gallery, Mattancherry as part of the ‘Watercolouring the Nature’ exhibition, one can clearly see the creativity and passion that he puts in his works.
His works give a beautiful impression of the things existing and in harmony with nature.“Watercolour paintings are very difficult as they should be done without losing transparency. And this is possible only if you have a lot of experience. I do paintings keeping in mind the colour values and the uniformity in my paintings,” he said. His paintings appear more natural as it is done keeping in mind the light scheme. He also says there should be proper visualization of the object if a watercolour painting is to be done.
His works titled ‘Accord of Nature’, ‘Vanishing beauty’, ‘Hues of Street’, ‘Peaceful valley’ and ‘Born to win’ all are nature-related paintings which focus on the serenity of nature and how humans should work towards protecting nature. One of his paintings titled ‘Harmony by Nature’ was selected for the International Watercolor Society India Biennale in Delhi in 2015 and 2016 along with artists from 68 countries. His painting was also selected for the Fabriano International Watercolour Exhibition in Italy in 2016 and 2017.
His participation in numerous national, international and solo exhibitions has won him awards such as AATMA Award 2017. He also set a record in the ‘India Book of Records’ in June 2017 by creating a Monolisa painting in one minute. Besides this, he has conducted many exhibitions like ‘’Reflections’’ a group exhibition at Chitrakala Parishat Art Gallery, Bangalore 2017, ‘’Flash Back ‘’ a mixed media exhibition of 92’’ Batch College of fine arts,Thiruvananthapuram in Aug 2017 at Sutra Gallery, Fort Kochi and “Lines of Realization’ ’International Art Exhibition at Nepal Art Council,Kathmandu, organised by Art Kerala Muziris in 2017. He has also organised advanced watercolour workshops in Australia, switerland, UAE and Newyork. The exhibition will continue till September 29.