Punsara Udara:

Nature well nuanced

Punsara Udara can't remember a time when he was not involved with art. "My parents tell me that when I was a child I always had colour pencils in my hand, and that I would sit on a mat and draw," he says, admitting that although his parents did not have much knowledge about art, they helped him develop his talents from a young age.

An artist with a penchant for things celestial and sublime, Udara believes a good painting illuminates the visual and emotional experience of the artist, and also enables him to sublimate the pain and suffering he has endured through catharsis.

Nature provides the inspiration to foster Udara's creativity. Attuned to the various rhythms and changes of nature, he strives to capture the nuances in his paintings incorporating the sunrise, sunset, historical figures and old buildings. His paintings reflect his love for all things nature and he believes individuals should be sensitive to their environment.

Influenced by French Impressionists like Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley, as well as English painter William Turner, Udara says his paintings depict the celestial. "There are hidden meanings and romance in my creations, which I portray through figures as well as landscapes," he says, but adds that he prefers to draw figures because it enables him to explore the nature of human relationships and thereby gain insight into the human condition.

Pictures provided by the artist

Udara prefers acrylic on canvas because it best suits his thematic concerns with history and nature. However, he does not limit himself only to acrylics, and occasionally uses oils, water colours and charcoals and says, "There is no limit to style or medium when painting, and the artist should be able to create in any medium,"

Udara describes his work as figurative art and non-figurative abstract art and says it is important for him to engage and identify with nature in order to gain an imaginative insight into the subjects of his depictions. He does not think it is possible for an artist to be restricted to one technique as it stifles his or her creativity. In this context, he emphasises the importance of experimenting with technique for the evolution of the artist and his work.

Born in Galle, Udara had his primary education at Vidyaloka Vidyalaya and his secondary education at Siridhamma Vidyalaya. In 2008 he was selected to study art at the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo.

He describes his university days as a time of 'many changes in his life' but claims participated in art workshops and exhibitions whenever he found the time and that it helped him develop his style and technique.

Enjoying solitary activities, he likes walking and says it enables him to find the sources for his inspiration and aesthetic creations. Udara also likes visiting historical places and wildlife parks to explore his pre-occupation with elephants. He currently works as an artist and teacher, and is grateful to the George Keyt Foundation for giving him the opportunity to develop his talents.