About Chidanand – A Lifelong Learner, Late Bloomer & Passionate Watercolourist
Hello and welcome! I’m Chidanand M., a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and lifelong learner with a deep, soulful connection to creativity. While my journey through the arts spans many decades—covering drawing, photography, architecture, filmmaking, and design—the most transformative chapter began when I was 66 years old.
That’s when I finally made a commitment to pursue the one art form that had eluded me all my life: Watercolour Painting.
The Long Wait for a Dream
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been immersed in the world of visual art. As a child, I was fascinated by drawing, shapes, light, and structure. Over the years, I explored and mastered various forms—architecture, fine art photography, design, illustration, and digital media. But through it all, there was a silent longing that never left me: the fluid, unpredictable, poetic world of watercolours.
Life, work, and responsibilities kept me from devoting myself fully to this delicate and demanding medium—until the world itself paused.
The Pandemic Became My Turning Point
During the global lockdown, with routines upended and travel halted, I found clarity in the stillness. I made a decision that changed my life: I would finally pursue watercolours with total seriousness.
At age 66, I took my first deep dive into watercolours—not as a hobbyist, but with the rigour, discipline, and curiosity of a beginner determined to master it. I enrolled in online courses, studied the works of great masters, read books, watched videos, and above all, practised daily with complete focus and devotion.
What Happened Next Surprised Even Me
In just one and a half years, through relentless dedication and practice, I developed a strong foundation in the medium—learning techniques, understanding pigments, mastering water control, and exploring my own voice through colour and brush.
And I haven’t looked back since.
Why I Created This Newsletter
I created this Substack newsletter to share everything I’ve learned—and continue to learn—about watercolours with people like you:
✨ Artists rediscovering their passion
✨ Late bloomers ready to embrace creativity
✨ Beginners who feel overwhelmed by watercolours
✨ Curious minds who want to learn art in a structured and soulful way
Here, I write about techniques, materials, artistic insights, inspiration from master artists, emotional connection to art, and reflections from my journey. It’s both a journal and a classroom. A community and a resource.
My Philosophy: It’s Never Too Late
If there’s one message I carry from my own story, it is this:
It’s never too late to begin. Never too late to learn. Never too late to create your most meaningful work.
I believe in progress over perfection, daily dedication over occasional brilliance, and joyful exploration over fear of mistakes. I also believe that watercolour is a magical, living medium—one that teaches humility, flow, presence, and letting go.
What You’ll Find Here
✔ Step-by-step guides and insights into watercolour techniques
✔ Reflections on master artists and what we can learn from them
✔ Tips on materials, brushes, paper, pigments
✔ Discussions about style, inspiration, and staying motivated
✔ My personal journey and lessons from late-life learning
✔ Gentle encouragement for anyone wanting to start, restart, or go deeper
Still Learning, Still Growing
Even now, I consider myself a student first. Every day is a new brushstroke, a new possibility. I continue to study, experiment, upgrade my skills, and learn the latest tools and technologies in the world of visual arts.
If you're someone who values learning, expression, and creative community—this space is for you.
Let’s Paint This Journey Together
Thank you for being here.
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe to this newsletter, join my artistic community, and start your own journey of discovery through watercolours.
Because whether you're 16 or 66, your creative spirit is waiting.
Let’s bring it to life—one wash, one sketch, one soulful painting at a time.
🎨
Warmly,
Chidanand M.
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