Exhibition at Delhi by International Watercolour Society

.The 2nd Olympiart 2024 was nothing short of a carnival for watercolor lovers. Hosted by the International Watercolour Society, it was the place to be if you wanted to drown yourself (not literally!) in a sea of pigment, paper, and pure artistic energy. And guess what? Two of my paintings—String of Abundance and On the Way to Chail—were selected for this global extravaganza! Yes, I may have done a little happy dance when I got the news.

For three days, the venue was alive with not just art but also performances, workshops, and conversations that ranged from “What’s your favorite paper?” to “Why does my paint always dry too fast?” There were live demos where the masters made watercolor look like the easiest thing in the world. Spoiler: it isn’t. Artists are a fascinating bunch—equal parts eccentric and brilliant. One moment, you’re debating the best brush for fine lines, and the next, you’re sharing stories about how your cat once drank your paint water. (True story, by the way.)

Over three days, the event featured live demonstrations by masters, artist talks, and cultural performances, all set against the backdrop of a grand-scale exhibition. The camaraderie among artists was palpable, as they exchanged ideas, techniques, and stories. It was not just an exhibition but a melting pot of inspiration and learning.

Amidst all the chaos and laughter, there was a deep sense of connection. Watercolor has this magical way of bringing people together. It’s a medium that celebrates both precision and happy accidents, much like life itself. The exhibition strings together the sheer diversity of styles, themes, and techniques on display.

My happiness had no bounds to see my work amidst global artists and masters.

It wasn’t just about having my work on the wall; it was about being part of something bigger—a global community of artists who share a passion for creating beauty with the simplest of tools.

Out of the many paintings submitted from across the globe, two of my works—String of Abundance and On the Way to Chail—were selected for display. Each of these pieces holds a unique story.

This painting, String of Abundance, is a piece that speaks to my journey as an artist—a journey of patience, discovery, and finding beauty in the simplest of things. As I worked on this piece, I was struck by how the reflective silver cup seemed to hold not just light but fragments of its surroundings, much like we, as individuals, reflect the world around us.

The strand of pearls over the edge reminded me of life’s small yet profound treasures—moments of joy, gratitude, and abundance that we often overlook. Each pearl is unique, with its own subtle sheen and imperfections, much like our experiences that shape who we are.

Painting this was more than just capturing realism; it was about connecting with myself. The challenge of rendering the reflections on the cup and the gentle glow of the pearls pushed me as an artist, making me pause, observe, and truly immerse myself in the process. Every brushstroke was a meditation, a step toward bringing the stillness and elegance of this moment to life.

This work holds a special place in my heart because it reflects my artistic philosophy—finding beauty in the ordinary and transforming it into something timeless. It’s a reminder to myself and others to embrace abundance, not just in material possessions but in the richness of experiences and connections we share.

The second painting, On the Way to Chail,came from a different perspective —not just as an artist but as someone constantly drawn to the quiet mysteries of life. The weathered wooden door, with its rusted lock and peeling paint, tells a story of resilience and time. Each scratch, crack, and flake holds echoes of the past, and yet it stands firm, guarding what lies beyond.

For me, this door represents both a barrier and an invitation—a poignant metaphor for the innumerable possibilities that life holds. Behind it could be a secret garden, an abandoned home, or perhaps just a forgotten corner filled with memories. As I painted it, I couldn’t help but think about the doors we encounter in our own lives—some we knock on, others we walk past, and a few we try to unlock despite the odds.

This door holds a special place in my heart because of the moment I stumbled upon it. We were returning from the Chail Palace, basking in the charm of its history, when hunger called for a pitstop at a small, rustic eatery. As we waited for our food, this weathered door caught my eye—tucked away in a quiet corner, almost as if waiting to be noticed. It wasn’t grand or ornate, but something about its rugged textures and untold stories pulled me in. In that fleeting moment, I knew it had to be captured on paper, its mystery immortalized through my brush. The textures of the wood and the corroded metal challenged me to push my skills further, to slow down and appreciate the beauty in decay and imperfection.

This door is more than just a subject; it’s a symbol of curiosity and courage. It reminds me—and perhaps all of us—that every door has a story, and beyond each one lies a world of possibilities, waiting for us to take that step forward.

These paintings are fragments of who I am, reflections of moments that shaped me as an artist and as a person. I realized something simple yet profound this time -Art isn’t just about technique or accolades—it’s about connection. It’s about the way a painting can make a stranger pause, feel, and perhaps even see the world a little differently. That connection is the real prize, and for that, I’ll always be grateful to the magic of watercolor and the journeys it takes me on.