The Hindu : Karnataka News : Passionate about painting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 09, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka

Passionate about painting

Staff Correspondent

D. Nagaraj is a self-taught artist

Creative: D. Nagaraj taking a look at his paintings at the exhibition in Chitradurga on Saturday.

Chitradurga: Twenty-five paintings on display at the Rotary Hall here have come in for widespread appreciation.

D. Nagaraj, the artist, has portrayed various slices of life on canvas. “I believe in realistic painting, since it allows people to relate to them, unlike modern or contemporary painting, which many people do not understand,” he says.

The self-taught painter had an inclination for art since his childhood. “I began drawing sketches of various figures when I was in the ninth standard. Nobody taught me painting, I learned on my own.”

He had no interest in academics and faced difficulties in pursuing his passion owing to strong parental opposition. “They thought I was wasting time and money,” he says.

However, he found a mentor in Ramchandra Nayak, who helped him channel his creativity. “He encouraged me by offering me painting material,” Mr. Nagaraj says.

Initially, he began painting to satisfy his creative urge and later turned professional. Today, he sells his paintings and prepares murals on order. Mr. Nagaraj is also an avid photographer. “People say that one needs a teacher to learn any art, but I strongly believe that if one pursues his or her passion with commitment, perfection comes naturally,” he says.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka