Saikat Maity Figurative Paintings

Saikat Maity - Old Kolkata - 14 x 16 inches (Unframed Size) Watercolour on Paper Saikat uses the ‘wash’, ‘glaze’ and ‘wet in wet’ methods of application to produce a huge variety of striking works. The artist has selected the iconic landmark of Kolkata city, during the peak of the British Empire in India. This ethereal scene with the Heritage Building and motor cab is captivating and encapsulates the character of the heritage city with drama and poise. The watercolor artist has avoided excessive detailing and by highlighting just the key features of a Heritage Building & Old Kolkata Streets with crumbling structures, results in a fresh, inviting composition. Style : Saikat does his painting in stages, starting with large, vague color areas established on wet paper, then refines the image through a sequence of washes and glazes, making the works as durable as oils or acrylics. The pigments are held by arabic gum with additives like glycerine and solvents that give the medium durability. Watercolors appear more vivid than acrylics or oils because the pigments are laid down in a more pure form with fewer fillers obscuring the pigment colors. Multiple layers of watercolor thus achieve a very luminous effect. Water being an active and complex partner in the watercolor painting process, it changes the outlines and appearance of the paint as it dries. Saikat has mastered the difficult art of anticipating and leveraging the behavior of water, rather than attempting to control it. Saikat uses the ‘wash’, ‘glaze’ and ‘wet in wet’ methods of application to produce a huge variety of striking works, definitely worth collecting. In my watercolour paintings, the beauty lies in the freshness of colours, their transparency and purity along with a slightly unfinished look resulting in a more natural effect. My watercolours try infusing life in common place objects and making them look spectacularly real. About the Artist & his art works : Born : 1981. Education : 2007 : B.V.A (Drawing & Painting ) from Indian College of Art & Draftsmanship in Kolkata with 1st Class. Group Shows : Saikat has exhibited his paintings in group shows across Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Awards & Recognition : 2007 - Best Water...