Watercolour art: High appeal, low demand

By Santosh Subedi,Pokhara, Sept. 27: Pokhara is known as the city of water; the sun shines one moment, and rain pours the next. Perhaps that is why artists from this city are extremely fond of water. They have created a distinct identity by portraying Pokhara and its surrounding mountains and hills through watercolour paintings. Both senior and emerging artists can be seen using watercolour in their works.

When did watercolour painting begin in Pokhara? Artist Durga Baral said, “As old as human history itself is the history of watercolour, but in Pokhara’s case, it is believed to have started before 1950. At that time, senior artist Krishna Prasad Shrestha used to paint. Later, after 1983, its development truly began.”

According to him, paintings from Pokhara have a unique style compared to works from other places. During the course of watercolour’s development, the Pokhreli Youth Cultural Family organised various programmes, taking artists to rural areas.

 “Artists would travel to villages and capture the rural lifestyle, mountains, and natural scenery in their paintings. These works used to sell at good prices. Nowadays, Pokhara is even known as the ‘School of Water,’” he recalled.

Baral further added that the development of a distinct style in Pokhara has made its paintings recognisable anywhere in the country. “Painting has already created a separate identity for Pokhara. Recently, young artists have also been actively engaging in this field,” he said.

He said that watercolour does not require heavy use of pigments, even with fewer colours, impressive paintings can be created. 

In the early days, tourists visiting Pokhara used to purchase these artworks. “Both domestic and foreign visitors admired them and bought them. Since it was a good source of income, more artists became involved,” he said.

Artist Ramesh Shrestha, however, said that although young people are attracted to painting, watercolour is quite risky. He observed that demand for it and the number of artists producing it are both on the rise.

 “If watercolour gets ruined once, it cannot be corrected. You must finish it before the water dries. Pokhreli artists are known for capturing distinct styles with watercolour. New artists, too, are drawn toward it,” he added.

Although the appeal of paintings has increased, the number of people purchasing and displaying them in their homes is still very low, he analysed.

 “People build houses worth Rs. 30 to 40 million, but you won’t see them hanging a painting worth just Rs. 200,000 on their walls.

 Sales and distribution are very low. This is unfortunate,” he said. He further added that although the art scene is gradually gaining commercial pace, it is not yet as expected. According to him, there is a need to make it more professional and preserve its established identity.