A guy in his late 20s walks in to a book store (fond of books in general) and stumbles across a very little book containing beautiful quick paintings. At once, he gets lost in lost-and-found edges, impressed by the brush stroke impressions, feeling light with the light shining through paintings, the glow, the transparency, the flow.
And it is decided that he is going to try only this medium for paintings (new arena, though pencil drawing being his childhood hobby). He buys some materials and is super excited to try his hands on this no-hassle medium.
What could be simpler? A simple brush, any thick paper, any watercolor, no smell, no long waiting times, no sticky or dirty hands. Confident as he has been doing the drawing/sketching since childhood, he tries first watercolor painting and falls from the clouds to the muddy paper.
He couldn’t believe watercolors could be that hard. Probably oil or acrylic colors would suit his drawing nature. Goes back again to the artists’ paintings, and he IS fascinated by watercolors, come what may.
Fast forward through 11 years the fascination continues. Such transparency, such glow, such flow couldn’t be found in any other medium! Yes, it’s me, Vishal Jain from Pune, India, one of the self taught artists out there. Though I didn’t spend much time in all of these years (due to job, family and other excuses), but didn’t leave it completely either.
Highly impressed by the works of artists like Hazel Soan (artist of my first watercolor book I found in the book store), Jean Haines (for her looseness and boldness in colors), Milind Mulick (clear, bright and beautiful). Whenever I felt down by my works, such artists brought back the fascination to me. Recently I was blown away by the softness and details of the artist Jung Hun Sung. I can spend whole days looking and admiring the works of the great artists.
Little by little, season by season (as it was never regular), my painting improved (still learning). Tried many things in materials, a few things failed with me, a few things clicked. In brushes, I like the sable brushes most. But they are very costly and rare to find now, so I also want to try synthetic sable and Chinese calligraphy brushes. Recently used hake brush also (though it shed some hair sometimes).
Learnt the basic techniques from a few books and the Internet. Wet on wet is my favorite, colors spreading with water on paper excites me the most. Recently trying shimmering colors too. Turquoise/teal colors I like most currently.
I moved more towards portraits as they were highly personalized for people (and I can get some money too). Last year, I tried to make my portrait service available for people and it has been well appreciated so far by the people. I need to improve landscapes more later, but currently focusing on the portraits. Hope it will evolve to be more unique and global in the future. East or West, Watercolor is the best.
Let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to answer.
Vishal Jain
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Wow. If you lived in the US, I’d ask about your pricing… you make everyone themselves, but even more beautiful. The glow, as you say.
Thanks a lot for appreciation. The cost is not much, if you can bear international shipping cost and framing cost then painting cost should be cheap as I am new.
Your beautiful paintings and your story are so inspiring, Vishal!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much !!!
I am self taught as well, I get real excited when something turns out well the opposite when it doesn’t. Doodlewash had been very helpful with getting me to put something on paper daily. Portraits scare me but one day I will try. Thank you for your article
Thank you so much !!! All the best !!!
Vishal, you have definitely mastered that glow! Thank you for sharing your artistic journey with us!
Thank you so much !!!
What gorgeous work – Thanks for sharing, Vishal.
Thank you so much !!!
très belle découverte que vos oeuvres si réelles – bravo ! j’irais vous voir sur Facebook
Thank you so much !!!
I would like to thank Mr Charlie and Doodlewash a lot for having me here in this form. Thank you so much !!!
Just noticed that the masters I highly admire like Jean Haines and Hazel Soan have also been featured in Doodlewash. Feeling grateful to be associated with Doodlewash.
Vishal, thank you so very much for this article. Your journey and your work are both incredible. I have only done one watercolor (posted here) and it was wet watercolor on dry paper. Not really know whether I had to use wet paper all the time or not .. lol. Thank you again and again, your work is awesome.
Thank you so much !!!
Great story, Vishal. Your work is fabulous.
Thank you so much !!!
Thank you Vishal for sharing your amazing art and journey with us.
Thank you so much !!!
Beautiful paintings Vishal thanks for sharing you art!!
Thank you so much !!!
Vishal, I absolutely enjoy seeing your delightful and expressive portraiture. You capture personalities with such facility and ease; at least, it appears effortless. Bravo!
Thanks a lot !!!
Your post was very encouraging and inspiring. Not only are your paintings beautiful but your writing as well. I felt I walked into the bookstore with you and was following you on your journey to follow. I am so thankful to have gotten to “meet” you virtually am excited to be able to follow another artist I feel connected too! Thank you for taking the time to post and thoroughly enjoyed every moment t!
Super thanks for such kind words !!!
paintings are gorgeous! I struggle with watercolour, sometimes they work, sometimes not… your art is inspiring. I’ll check out the Hazel Soan book! Our library has some, I’ve seen them on the library catalogue online:)
Thanks a lot
you are very welcome!