Contemporary painters

Geetha Senewiratne:

High profile professional painter and sculptor

The world of art was quick to recognise the genius of Geetha Senewiratne, a professional artist who has been a painter since her childhood. Coming from a affluent artistic family background Geetha was greatly inspired by her elder brother who had turned her to be a master of the brush.

After completing her education at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya she had formal training under the eminent teacher Gate Mudliyar A.C.G.S. Amarasekera. As a young artist she held her first solo exhibition at the Samudra Gallery in 1973. Since then she has held several exhibitions in Sri Lanka and exhibited her work in New Delhi, Japan and Bulgaria.

Having proved her mastery in painting Geetha has turned her hand to another branch of art sculpture.

Geetha Senewiratne

One of her paintings

Oil painting is her speciality but the crowning achievement for her was when she was honoured with the Presidential Award, for the best sculpture "Dushkarakriya" at the 79th annual exhibition of the Ceylon Society of Arts in 1983. She has also been involved in commissioned work in painting for individuals and organisations including hotels. In 2003 she had two successful exhibitions of which one was sponsored by the Grand Oriental Hotel Colombo, where she has been involved in the interior decor of the Sri Lankan Restaurant.In her recent exhibition she creates large oil paintings generally in strong flat colours. The ancient water carriers, fruit seller, strip of their glory and take the observer into an inner journey. The thick layers build up texture which can be achieved only by a master's hand.

She has also proved her mastery not only with the brush but with pen and ink work. Most of her pen and ink drawings have been done with careful attention to detail capturing scenes from ordinary Sri Lankan life.

The time-proven art form has allowed the artist to create bold, eye-catching compositions rich textures and striking value contrast and intricately detailed work. She conducts workshops and competitions and consultancy work for various organisations. At present Geetha conducts her own art classes for the young at her home in Nugegoda. She has wielded her brush to the delight of her students as an art teacher, and to the enrichment of generations to come.