A master of urban landscape, Indian watercolour artist Ananta Mandal, finds his artistic expression in the monsoon theme. The rain acts as his muse, signifying renewal and growth. His canvases are atmospheric portals that transport the viewer directly into the heart of a monsoon-drenched world and become a part of it. Each scene the artist showcases in his paintings is filled with unique visuals and tones.

Beginnings

The artist was always fond of drawing mythological figures and became obsessed with colours from a young age. In 2007, he completed his B.V.A. in Graphic Design and Applied Art from the Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta University. Later, in search of better opportunities, Ananta moved to Mumbai to further amplify his success in the art field. It was during this phase of his career that he realised he wanted to be a full-time artist and follow this calling.

Artistic Style

Ananta Mandal found his individualistic style during his artistic journey, although his paintings do have a contemporary touch. Through this very unique technique, he captures the subtle nuances of light travelling through dense clouds, the reflective sheen on slick city streets, and the blurred outlines of human figures in the hustle and bustle. He has worked across various mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, and oil, and his brushstrokes delicately capture the mood of the place, and the colours speak of the atmosphere. 

The Monsoon Art

The monsoon transforms everything it touches and lends an ethereal quality to the daily mundane of an individual's life. Hence, it’s not a very uncommon theme in art. Some artists prefer words, some paint, and some perform. Each project guides the artist through various phases to understand and enhance their artistic process.

In Ananta Mandal’s paintings specifically, the high-rise buildings take on a softened and diffused appearance, and the trees speak with a renewed vibrancy. Many of his Indian monsoon paintings depict human figures in small clusters, which are integral to the narrative. One can also see the umbrellas bobbing through crowded spaces, and the clouds seem to hum with a visible humidity. Ananta not just paints what he sees, he explores the quiet resilience, patience, and sometimes the serene melancholy that the monsoon brings.

Best Monsoon-Themed Artworks

The ‘getting soaked in rain’ experience is reflected in his canvases due to his keen observation. His ability to translate what he sees into a tangible visual language is a treat to witness in person. The clouds, the raindrops hitting different surfaces, and the ethereal sky depict a unique rhythm and warm beauty of the places he visits.

Ananta Mandal's most popular rain-soaked paintings are from his Mumbai and Kolkata series; these include ‘Wet in Colors’; ‘Kolkata Monsoon’, ‘Mumbai Monsoon’, ‘Gateway in Monsoon’, and ‘Mumbai Rains'. He invites the viewers to feel and become a part of the monsoon and remember its unique pulse, passing through the canvases as one leans forward to catch a glimpse of his painting.

Conclusion 

The engaging quality of Ananta Mandal art makes it an immersive and captivating experience for the observer. His expressive and imaginative compositions leave a lasting impression and form deeper connections with people from diverse backgrounds. The talented young artist has presented his works in numerous prestigious exhibitions and galleries all across the globe.