Written by Hello! I am Shyam Kumar, and I seek harmony! I love to explore the deeper dimensions of life and express my presence of life through various mediums (art, architecture, music, poetry, theater). Currently, I am romancing watercolor.
It is an amazing medium, keeps me on my toes, and throws surprises at every juncture. My willingness to explore life’s possibilities through these mediums allows me to practice harmony. Learning to accept accidents and allow things to unfold on their own.
I am 28 years young, born in Visakhapatnam, Andhrapradesh, India. I had a good introduction to painting at school. My teacher and now a great friend and mentor Mrs. Uma, had shown a great interest in nurturing the painting skills in me. As a kid, I went on painting whenever there was an opportunity, mostly from my imagination.
Later on, I took studies too seriously and got myself out of practicing. It is during this period of not painting that I had subconsciously built great enthusiasm for painting. I kept practicing sketching in the midst of my studies.
Eventually, I chose architecture to pursue as I felt it is a bigger platform to explore many more dimensions. At 22 years old, I picked up watercolor just to play and see what this medium was like. Today, I realize I am still lost in that never-ending play. It is absolutely engaging and joyful.
As an architect, practicing to be organized and being empathetic to others with rational justification on one hand and being absolutely free of any conditioning and just playing for “no reasons” as an artist on the other hand, is quite challenging.
I chose the challenge of dabbling between mind and heart, to embrace the holistic nature of the mind.
“Effort is the mind’s way
Effortlessness is of the heart”
I used to give a lot of importance to detailing and getting everything right in place. Eventually I realized I should not make efforts to paint, it should flower effortlessly.
The type of paper and pigments make a huge difference to the quality of work. I started off my practice with Canson Montval 300gsm paper and then moved on to Arches 300 gsm Cold Press. Currently, I’m in love with Fabriano Artistico 640gsm cold pressed! Finest paper I‘ve ever seen.
When I have to use lots of color, then I go with Camel Artist Watercolours, or I prefer Mission Gold colors. They are quite intense pigments and doesn’t dry off for months together. I have also designed an easel for myself, during my studies in furniture design.
Currently, I am practicing architecture and taking a break from work once in awhile to connect to my heart through watercolor.
I enjoy watching! Watching ordinary life on the streets. I realize that all that visual information tickles my subconscious mind, which indeed urges me to laugh it out through strokes. Through the practice, I am learning to let water do the job, allow things to unfold and become a mere spectator of the dynamic surprises that watercolor brings out.
I hope that I would be able to tickle you all, the way I get tickled.
Thank you.
Shyam Kumar
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Your work is just fascinating!
Thank you so much Jean Marmo 🙂
Shyam, I love your statement, “Eventually I realized I should not make efforts to paint, it should flower effortlessly.” It is so true, and your work is evidence of that! Thank you for sharing your watercolor journey with us.
Thank you for those lovely words Sandra, that was a great observation.
Beautiful work!
thank you Mary 🙂
Love your work & I just checked out your Instagram page – wonderful variety. Your studies of people are very moving. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks a lot for the appreciation, hope we remain in touch and share many more works.
Very nice. Have you tried using fountain pen inks? The chromatography aspect of their behaviour may be of interest to you. Nick
Loved reading about your journey so far. Your observations about the every day life on the streets has reflected well in your work.
Thank you Vasundhara ji 🙂
I love the softness in your work, especially the animals.
Thank you so much Sharon.
I love your work. It feels so loose and free. I especially like that you leave open areas unfinished for our own eyes to fill in. You have given me the inspiration to work on a more heartfelt effortless style rather than always focusing so much on realism and perfection. Thank you for sharing your art journey and your pieces of art with us.
Thank you so much Lin 🙂 glad that you are willing to paint effortlessly!
I really enjoyed your story and your art! Both are inspiring.
I love the paintings where you have let the colour go where it wants (or so it seems) and then you filled in some tiny objects to make it an amazing scene. 🙂
beautiful work..love the style! reminds me of Milind Mulik
Hi, Your works are lovely !!! Thanks for sharing.