Timeless Inspiration: Crafting Art from the Past

Capturing Heritage Through Patience and Passion, Bridging Decades Between Vision and Creation

The Essence of Artistic Excellence

The essence of all creative pursuits lies in the professional quality of the final result. While the skills, procedures, techniques, and materials employed in the process certainly have their place, what ultimately matters is the outcome—the piece of art that embodies mastery, maturity, and a distinct professional quality.

For me, this philosophy finds its expression in my travels to exotic locations, where I photograph heritage architecture—an endeavor I hold dear above all else. These journeys allow me to capture the interplay of light, shadow, and structure, each photograph telling a story that speaks to my soul. When I return, I sift through these images to find the ones that possess an irresistible character, a composition that evokes something profound. I then use these photographs as the inspiration for my sketches and watercolor paintings.

Unlike many artists, I never sketch or paint on location (en plein air). I find that the distractions of changing light, the unpredictability of weather, and the bustle of people, with their noise and curiosity, often disrupt the quiet dialogue between myself and my work. Moreover, the limitations of carrying art supplies on location add an unnecessary strain. Instead, I choose to create within the sanctuary of my studio, where I can immerse myself fully in my art. There, in the comfort of my own space, I can give my complete focus to the creative process. The calm environment, free of interruptions, allows me to utilize every skill I've honed over my artistic journey, crafting each piece with intention and depth.

The ink and watercolor sketch shown here is an example of this approach. It was created just two months ago, within the serenity of my studio. Yet the photograph that inspired this work dates back to the 1980s—a memory captured at Chitradurga, a historic and culturally rich location in Karnataka, India. Chitradurga, with its famed seven concentric fort walls and architectural grandeur built in the Vijayanagara style, is a place that has long fascinated me. Its rugged landscape, surrounded by hills and filled with the echoes of history, has always been a treasure trove of inspiration.

There is a span of almost 40 years between capturing that photograph and rendering it in ink and watercolor—a testament to the timeless connection between the past and the present in art. Each creative endeavor is a bridge across time, built on experiences, emotions, and the passion to see things through to their most beautiful and polished form. It is not the immediacy of creation that drives me, but the pursuit of excellence—the determination to bring each vision to life with the highest possible quality, unhurried and uncompromised.

Art is, after all, about capturing more than what meets the eye. It’s about capturing a feeling, a memory, an essence that transcends time. And for that, I believe the key is not only in the mastery of techniques but in creating from a place of true stillness and deliberate focus. Whether it takes days, months, or even years, the final result should be a reflection of all that we cherish as artists—the culmination of patience, dedication, and love for our craft.

I also have plans to train and coach people who want to realize their dreams of sketching, watercolor painting, and photography in a very comprehensive manner—skills they could not pursue in the earlier stages of their life due to life's calling. If you are serious about learning these skills, I invite you to subscribe to my page to stay informed about my upcoming programs. Together, we can embark on a journey of creativity, learning, and bringing your artistic dreams to life.

Chidanand
Fine Art Photographer, Master Watercolorist