Basking in Kandyan beauty

Painting is a blind man's profession. He paints not what he sees, but what he feels, what he tells himself about what he has seen

- Pablo Picasso

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

The grandeur of the past, fragments highlighting nature's dazzling beauty and striking features from our day to day life. Some of the aspects which emerge out of the canvas. Though we see these locations and sights every passing day, only a few of us are able to spend even a few minutes to bask in nature's splendours.

Vasantha Perera had captured some of these wonders via canvas and paint. However he stresses that he does not necessarily paint all he sees.

"I make modifications and add a little of my own imagination to the scenery and paint an image in a way I like to see it. I use lines and colours to bring out details and make the finished product as realistic as possible," Vasantha unfurled his thoughts on his paintings.

He will be holding his second solo exhibition at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from November 5 to 7. The event was titled Kandy - A sketch book and showcases some of the most beautiful and significant places in the hill country. The artist had drawn attention to some features which would have gone unnoticed. These include ancient monuments, ruins, temples, ambalamas (wayside rests), ancient weapons, old windows and doors. A book of the same title will also be launched during the exhibition.

He had previously published a book of paintings titled Jaffna - A sketch book in 2008. His third artistic venture will be in Colombo. It links the island with its diverse cultural spheres reflecting the life and backdrops of the communities.

Viewers will be able to compare and contrast the cultural and traditional diversities between the groups who live in Jaffna and Kandy will the Colombo bourgeoisie in his later work.

Landscape, constructions and people are highlighted through fine detailing and shades.

Earthly tones dominate his work. The artist had provided his beholders with a mirror to the rich tapestry of the island highlighting the main resources that it has to offer.

Reflecting back to the time when he took up the brush, Vasantha says that he began sketching by drawing locations in the island.

"My parents spotted my talent and helped me excel in the field," he quipped adding that he had started off as a wildlife painter.

"This enhanced my attraction to nature. I chose watercolours and did a lot of research on the art. I read books and magazines and visited international art exhibitions. I am still engaged in research because I believe I have a long way to go in mastering watercolour painting," he concluded.