ART enthusiasts in Bahrain have been treated to a series of indoor and outdoor workshops conducted by Amit Kapoor, a leading Indian master of the watercolour medium.

Thrilled by his first trip to the kingdom, he believes the island could become a magnet for fellow artists around the world looking for inspiration.

He said: “I’ve been so impressed. When I arrived I was struck by the amazing buildings but had no idea how beautiful it was off the beaten track too. The farmlands are naturally stunning. As an artist I can honestly say this is wonderful place to visit.”

Mr Kapoor, 44, from New Delhi, has been recognised with top international honours for his paintings and his art graces the walls of many private and corporate collectors, with his watercolours fetching up to $1,000 a-piece.

His love of art started at an early age. He admits he was never ‘academic’ and would rather spend time drawing and playing with colours than have his nose in a book. “I was the ‘back bencher’ in the class, when the students were studying I was busy sketching my teacher and capturing the characters around me!”

His love of art paid off but money is not a major consideration. “The practice of art isn’t to make a living but to make your soul grow.”

Master Artist Amit Kapoor is president of The International Watercolour Society (IWS) India and vice president of IWS Global.
Mr Kapoor’s three-day watercolour workshop in Bahrain was sponsored by Paint and Palette and organised by its art director Anil Kumar. “I’d like to thank Paint & Palette owner and artist Karina Zubin for giving us her blessing to stage this initiative at the art school,” he added.
Mr Kumar aims to one day bring the International Watercolour Society Festival to Bahrain. The International Watercolour Society (IWS), a non-profit organisation established in January 2012, gathers the largest and most diverse group of watercolour artists and art lovers alike.
The objective of IWS is to promote the world’s oldest and most deeply-rooted painting technique and provide a platform for its continual development.
The festival, which has been hosted in Spain, India, Turkey and soon to be in Nepal, helps raise awareness about watercolour painting by presenting to the world an array of watercolour art and artists. This event acts as interaction points for attending artists, collectors and academicians from various countries. 
The successful workshop in Bahrain may prove pivotal in making the dream a reality. One thrilled student, Sarah Clarke, who watched the artist in action despite the heat and windy conditions as he captured a scene close to farmland on the outskirts of Bahrain Fort, said: “His talent was breathtaking. We’ve all thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and learned so much.”