Learn to draw by Tissa Hewavitarane

Paint what inspires you

When we first begin to paint we tend to look at things, much as a pocket camera does. We "copy" the subject, but we do not interpret it in a personal and expressive way. It takes more than merely recording facts to infuse a painting with life. First pinpoint what attracts you to a particular scene and then combine everything in the picture so as to put that across.

We are used to seeing paintings and photographs of the Kandy Lake that show a grander side and gives us a glimpse of the lovely city. Kandy nestles among the verdant hills and landmarks hallowed by history.

The picture shown here of the Kandy lake with the grounds of the Palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic against the green backdrop of Udawattekele Park has been an inspiration to countless artists over centuries and gives a panoramic view.

Before you start to paint do not plump for the safest, most obvious view point. In choosing a subject choose one that expresses your feelings about the subject. For example, a solitary distant building placed in a vast landscape can evoke an atmosphere of loneliness and isolation, whereas a close-up view of panoramic scene of the Kandy Lake allows you to express something about its grandeur.

Often a painting fails because we have set ourselves an impossible goal.

We trudge off into the country side in search of some idealised "perfect spot" for painting, only to return home empty-handed at the end of the day feeling like the angler who did not get a catch. Yet it is simple everyday things, right under our noses, that often make the best paintings.

If you want your painting to be inspiring, paint what interests you, not what you think you ought to paint. Perhaps you have a favourite spot in your garden that catches the sun or filled with fond memories any painter will find a wealth of inspiration.

Why not paint it? Because it is something you love, you will instinctively put more of yourself into the painting. Choose a view point that brings out your feelings about a subject.

If you are attracted by the intricate forms of an object or its colouring more in close and make the subject fill the entire picture area.

To capture and hold the attention of your viewer you must choose your view point carefully in the interests of making a more balanced beautiful painting.