Simplicity of nature
Ishara Jayawardane
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Veranda Bandaranaike |
Veranda Bandaranaike is being moulded by love. Her husband, Maithri
Bandaranaike’s love coupled with her passion for paintings is taking her
to a point where she will be an artist of the very highest caliber.
“Without my husband I wouldn’t be where I am. He is a man with good
humane qualities. He is a pillar of strength to me,” she said.
Her exhibition captures the very essence of nature.
“If you go to the jungle you could catch a glimpse of an animal but
through my paintings you can truly appreciate the animal by being able
to dwell more time on the image,” she added.
Veranda says that her paintings are mainly about local places and
animals indigenous to Sri Lanka. She draws under various themes with
various mediums: oil colors, water colors, pastels and pencil. She draws
wildlife, landscapes, portraits and still life.
“As an artist you have to be able to draw under all forms of
techniques. The American Centre requested me to base my drawings on
nature,” Veranda said adding
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Waves of water |
that the American Centre interacts with young artists giving them a
chance to exhibit their work. Veranda received her education at Kegalle
Balika Maha Vidyalaya . Her father is a retired Army Officer and her
mother is a nurse. She has three brothers.
“I’m in my second year at the Kelaniya University. My subjects are
linked to my paintings. I am doing Archaeology, Visual Arts and Image
Arts. I love drawing images indigenous to Sri Lanka. I am currently
being mentored by Jayasiri Semage. My advice to young aspiring painters
is not to restrict yourself.
Experiment with various mediums. Draw under various categories. Be
adventurous and move beyond boundaries” stated Veranda.
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Unity |
Veranda also went on to say that a child should learn to draw not
only to become an artist but to develop his or her talents and
intelligence. Though most artists have talent they are not able to hold
exhibitions because of the lack of money. They have no means to sell
their pictures.
Veranda has opened an art gallery in Pinnawela as an answer to this
problem. It is affordable unlike other art galleries in Colombo.
“We must really see nature and its wonders. Enjoy what you see, not
simply visually but see it through understanding. This is the philosophy
behind my paintings,” she said.
Displaying a painting of a waterfall Veranda added: “ You can feel
the tranquility in this picture. The gentle flow of water, the sound of
the water almost whispering, ensnaring the senses, soft and soothing.” |
