Art by Bandana

I grew up in a small town. The facilities there were minimal, but not our zest for life. We created our own games and played in the fields. Life was free like the mountain river.

I remember cowherds and the cows in the soft lemon light of the morning, and returning in the vermillion red evening. I picture the bright sap green colour of rain-washed leaves in cadmium yellow sunlight. In spring, the titanium white clouds sailed across a cobalt blue sky. During monsoon, silver lightning would light up different shades of grey. I played with my brother in the yellow ochre ground after school.

Surrounded by nature, I discovered I could draw and paint. Gradually I grew comfortable with art and, in time, it became my passion. The striking hues I experienced everyday inspired me to paint. My travel influenced my work too.

I like pencil drawing. I paint extensively in oil and acrylic, as well as water colours. I like straight lines. They hold my ideas together. Different types of flowers and leaves pop up in my mind and I put them in my paintings.

My daughter was my ever-willing model. Her hair, her pose, her emotions inspire me. Animals and birds are my favourite subjects too. I have interest in sport and music.