Canvas of colour from Royden’s students
View(s):
A street scene by Wasantha K. Siriwardena
The students of veteran artist Royden O. Gibbs will hold an exhibition of their paintings ‘Rendezvous in Colour’ on Thursday, April 5 at the Alliance Francaise, Barnes Place, Colombo 7.
The artists are a diverse group: Lal Chandranath, Veeranthi Wijemanne, Keshani De Silva, Renuka Mendis, Hansaja Devnith, Malinka Samarasinha, Dharsha Samarasinha, Wasantha K. Siriwardena, Manel Ratnayake, Dianthi Uragoda, Gamini Fernando and Lilani de Silva.
Tranquility by Veeranthi Wijemanne
All are discovering the joy of finding they can paint. “Art has made me look at things from a different perspective. I have learned to be more observant of little things, be it the colour of the sky or cloud formations or shadows, etc., which I had not bothered to notice in detail before. I hope to continue art despite my studies since it makes me a happier person,” says Malinka Samarasinha.
New life by Renuka Mendis
For political cartoonist and graphic designer Wasantha K. Siriwardena who has won several awards in his field this will be his first exhibition of paintings. “One of my childhood dreams was to become a top class painter and to achieve this dream I sought guidance from the legendary painter Roydon Gibbs a few years ago.”
For Lal Chandranath who has closed the chapter on his corporate life, it’s time to pursue his love for art.
Orchid splendour by Dharsha Samarasinha
Whatever their reasons, they are all keen to have their work before the public and their work represents an interesting mix – watercolours, landscapes and sketches, reflecting their diverse interests.