Though I am a self-taught artist who attained a certain degree of skill through repeated experiments, there was a lurking fear that I may not be doing the right things. So, I decided to learn the basics from a master, and enrolled for a course in paintings.

The master emphasized that drawing is at the very core of someone's quest for achieving proficiency in paintings. And that there is no substitute for hard work. Therefore, he put me through the various first steps. These were a humbling experience. The first week I only drew vertical straight lines, parallel to the edge of the page. The next week I was required to draw horizontal straight lines parallel to the edge of the page. And repeated them over 8 pages as home work. Then the next week I was required to draw circles - without the use of any tools or instruments. There is a method for doing that and the results are indeed quite satisfactory. Anyone can do it. I practised this also for 8 pages.

This grounding prepares you to draw any lines, straight or curved, which essentially constitutes any painting. After this phase, I have been introduced to line drawings - without any shading or embellishments. And the home work was 15 line drawings of various objects over the next 5 days. Believe me, this process really prepares you to deal with a variety of subjects that you may choose to draw.

The master's story of his acquiring a degree in painting is an inspiration. He had an inborn talent for drawing and would paint hoardings for a living. And he was in his mid-thirties, well after his prime. But he realised that formal training and a degree would be crucial for social recognition and acknowledgement of his talent - and perhaps a brighter future. He had very little resources and so needed to stretch every rupee to its full value. That meant, staying 100 Km away from the institution of learning, commuting for 6 hours every day by three different modes of transport - starting from 4 AM until after 11 at night. And starting all over again the next day for 4 years, no less. He would use the commute time to sketch on hand-made papers and make a living by selling those to fellow travellers or anyone who would chance upon his talent.

In other words, passion, dedication and absolute discipline are at the very heart of any worthwhile pursuit - not only painting, but any profession.

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