Udupi artist creates ripples in Oman

Udupi artist creates ripples in Oman

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jan 5, 2020: Mohamad Nazir, a native of Udupi, and a finance controller of a pharmaceutical company in Oman,  is recognised  as a celebrated artist in Oman through sheer hard work and dedication.

Nazir is an established name when it comes to art in Oman and his paintings adorn the walls of ministry halls and corporate offices as well as private homes of VIPs in the Sultanate of Oman.

He consistently figures in top exhibitions. Forty-one years ago, when he flew from India to Oman to earn a livelihood, he had no inkling of becoming a top artist outside his motherland.

Nazir was gifted in art from an early age -  he recollected, “I am a self made artist, from deep down a intrinsic deep yearning with ability gave me the motivation and constant application. I was working for a pharmaceutical company I used to spend my evenings at the canvas.”

During my college days at MGM in Udupi, I used to draw pencil sketches of Bollywood stars which were displayed every week on the corner of a room in the college, he adds. "The drawings caused a flutter among students and teachers, it inspired me to continue the artwork and excel,” he recollected.

I was not a professional artist when I started painting but experience greatly helped me become what I am today,” he smiles with sincerity and pride.

He has drawn more than 70 paintings of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said - the august ruler of Oman.

“I had even drawn the painting of his Majesty’s mother, which drew his attention, who in turn had given me a precious gift,” says Nazir proudly.

He has sold not less than 3,500 original paintings. His paintings capture the world of Oman’s picturesque landscape, Oman’s wadis, mountains, old settlements, beaches and waterfalls and surroundings with shades of vibrant colours on the canvas.

“I paint with knives using my own technique along with a brush. I have at hundreds of modified knives to suit the subjects I paint. By using a knife it is possible to layer wet paint on top of wet paint without disturbing the layer beneath, helping to maintain freshness in the painting,” he explained.

“Art is my life. I spend many hours a day on the canvas. I am happy to see people enjoying my work. I cannot explain the technique I use for getting the colours and originality as it comes spontaneously when I start painting. Knives are suited for use in oil painting of architectural subjects. It is the colours and subject on the canvas that narrate a story in my painting," he adds.

Appreciating his painting, Nazir’s wife Shirin said, “The paintings are very natural and the depth in the subject inexplicable.”

He has so far exhibited paintings in US, UK, Cyprus and Oman. Nazir’s family resides in Mangaluru and they are all a happy lot.