Painting in Watercolor Has Changed My Life - With Rajiv Surendra (Keynote Speech)
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- Опубликовано: 17 янв 2025
- Last year Rajiv was invited to speak at the Semi-Permanent creative conference in Wellington, New Zealand. Rajiv's spoke about his watercolor practice and how it has taught him to see, and to look at life in a new way. We are delighted to present this speech to you and thank Semi-Permanent for filming, editing and sharing this footage with our channel.
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If Rajiv was a professor, all his classes / courses would have waiting lists ❤
LONG waiting lists...
I don’t know anyone who is more talented in so many mediums than Rajiv!
Made me cry. Thanks for the reminder that the light only exists because the shadow does at well
You seem a very sentimental person, I cry when I see the suffering of children or animals. This gent has a good positive life, I see nothing in his life at the moment for a stranger to cry about.
I love our very own Renaissance man Rajiv 🥰✌🏼
I chose to take the stairs. I chose to skip the subway. You confirm these choices, to capture more from this world than just getting from point A to point B. Thank you, Rajiv. You have found your reason for living in this world, and you are willing and more-than-able to share that reason with us all.
We moved my mom next door right before COVID. I started painting with watercolor again with her guidance. We both received a fine arts degree at Penn State. She graduated in 1975 and I graduated in 2003. Her focus was watercolor. By the time I attended, watercolor wasn't being taught. I asked an older oil painting student why she preferred oils and she said, "Watercolors are like chalk and oils are like chocolate." Looking back, my oil paintings were so diluted and watery.😂 I ended up with a ceramics degree and teaching in public schools. I still love clay, but there is something so magical about capturing light and a moment and that adding deep shadows at the end of a painting is just as satisfying as trimming a foot on a pot or unloading a kiln. Thank you for giving watercolor the respect it deserves.
Lol, I started out with oils, but now prefer WC. Oils are great, but very inconvenient when it comes to travel, and very expensive when it comes to framing.
I picked up water colour as a teenager - honestly didn't give much thought about it - and now as an adult use oils and have never looked back! After watching this video and reading your comment, I think I want to try and use water colour and master it. That's funny what you're saying about your oil paintings though, lol, your heart was always calling out for it seems. Also the clean-up and set-up of watercolours seems like a dream compared to oils....no more scraping the palette....no more mediums; so appealing lol.
At the point where he said the sky was d orchestra I felt him cry, so I cried too because I know how beautiful it can be when you know with every particle of your heart that you made the right decision to not take the subway.
"A master can see the beauty in almost anything " that line!!!!
I was moved and touched by your journey… I am an avid watercolorist and teacher of watercolor. I paint passionately everyday and am so lucky to have this urge to get to work painting each morning…. I am lucky because I have this purpose and drive to create as I have friends who don’t know what to do with themselves everyday. I paint the light and the movement of the ocean and it restores my soul… Thank you for sharing!
It’s people like Rajiv that bring beauty and serenity into our world. A tremendous thank you.
I bought water colours and the proper paper at an art store. I felt intimidated and had no idea how or where to start, so I never did. But now I do. So I will. Thank you Rajiv.
Marvelous and eloquent! Rajiv is a treasure and a true Renaissance man!
Rajiv I absolutely adore you, and your approach to home, and life. I am a 71 year old man and it is always wonderful to find people and things that inspire me to be happy and grateful for the things in life that I love, my home being one of them.
Rajiv- You are the real deal! If I ever find a Magic Lamp and a Genie comes out and asks me my wish I will reply " Please let Rajiv be my neighbor so we can be friends and visit with each other"
Me too. He has changed how I look at life So inspirational ♥️
Couldn’t agree more👍🏼!
Yes! ☺️
Oh yes. Just little moments with Rajiiv. Lovely guy
It appears we appreciators of Rajiv have many things in common. What a wonderful community could spring from these videos. I propose “Rajiv MeetUps”
Rajiv, a home run! After binge watching nearly all your videos, over the past few months, this one brings almost everything together in one place, so I can understand your life philosophy. You have a place in my heart. Thanks.
Thank you.
Rajiv, I feel you don’t only make art. You live art. High quality art.
I’m a self taught oil painter capturing lights and darks in quick brushstrokes. I’m also an instructor teaching my students to paint with their hearts and souls. They tell me that they haven’t only learned to paint but to see and think differently.
It’s a fulfilling journey coming home.
I don’t know who reads these comments ( probably no one) but you inspire me in every project you do . This one was especially beautiful. I love to watercolor. I love everything about it. Thank you so much Rajiv❤
As usual, I could listen to Rajiv for hours. He’s inspiring me to pick up my pencil again and start sketching.
About 45 years ago, I started on my watercolor journey. The filters in my world changed through the years. My lesson learned was to be able to see the beauty in the smalls of life. Stand still and look until you feel it. Then, put the journey on the paper.
❤❤❤ Thank you Rajiv for coming to Welly! I sat next to someone who whispered 'I love him!'. The emcee said he loves him, and everyone was abuzz with delight after the talk
❤❤❤
We ❤U Rajiv!!! We need more people like you in this world🙏
I loved that you shared those moments of Halloween night on the bridge in the moonlight. I've been brought to tears with the beauty of dew on pine needles on an early morning walk. Slowing down and truly seeing the gifts that surround us come from a quiet, considered life and I'm so joyous whenever you post new content that shares it. Thank you, Rajiv🙏🏼
Thank you simply for being you, Rajiv.
My husband and I just returned home to the States after 1 month in Europe. We walked 300 miles; living out of backpacks. Simplicity, enjoying the sites at a much slower pace, and yes, taking the stairs. I too enjoy watercolor, and signed up for my first class a few months ago. I so appreciate your advice on the importance of locating a good teacher. Unfortunately, mine had no patience. She was geared towards teaching more advanced students. I so love her work, but decided to revert back to my “RUclips University” classes instead. Your words inspire me to search again. Not to give up. I love your artwork, and I enjoy the content that you put out.
Excellent excellent Rajiv than you for your testimony of Love in every thing that you do. You are my teacher!!! “Beauty will save the world “
Your speech was not overstated - great message. This will stick with me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom so thoughtfully, Rajiv!
What an amazing Human Being. If only we all looked around and took the time to live in the momen,t to be Thankful for simple things, and to be grateful for each day. I commend this young man with so much insight for his age. An incredible speech. Thank You for sharing and take the pretty way the long way the stairs.
Thank you, Rajiv. This was compelling, instructive, transforming. After a life working with words and then fabric, I am 6 months into watercolours. So humbling. I understand more now. I'm 68. To see a younger person offering more than I yet know is thrilling.
How inspiring. I found the end to be especially profound for me. That the light only shines on the paper when the dark strokes are added. Puts a different meaning to my life’s struggles. Thank you.
What I also took from this lecture was: the process of learning something is a beautiful and exhilarating thing.
And what a gift you have to be able to convey that in such a inspiring and sensitive manner, Rajiv. More often than not, great teachers are also great students themselves.
I love how you delve into your journeys and go 100%. Thanks for sharing them.
I'm also a watercolorist. I started painting as a way to cope with chronic pain. I just watched people online and took instruction that way. Six years later and while I'm still learning, I'm able to make things that please me---sometimes. 😉. JSS is amazing and is one of my favorites also. What kind of paper and paint do you use? As ever, I remain a joyful fan of yours Rajiv ❤️
Oh, and your work is amazing!!!!!
You made me cry with the moon. And the 'seeing and the holding'. xo
The comments are entirely comprehensive of everything I feel when watching any of your videos. You breathe life with every single gesture. I’m so appreciative of your eloquence and style! Thank you Rajiv.❤️🇨🇦
A keynote about living deeply, intentionally, mindfully. Thank you.
Oh, Rajeev, what a wonderful life lecture! I felt your emotion while you spoke about the moon. Like all your videos you are are a delight to listen to! S.
I saw Lady Agnew at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh Scotland. When I returned home, I ordered a canvas painting of her which hangs in my living room along with a watercolor lavender thistle I painted. I do like many of John Singer Sargent paintings.
I am just starting to learn watercolours and i,m 79 you have shown me how patient i need to be, you are a treasure Rajiv, i love following your life, stay humble my friend its beautifyl.xx
Thanks so much for this Rajiv - Inspiring!!
I appreciate your gentle way of communicating your thoughts and your humble demeanor. You are authentic and a wonderful gem. Thank you for sharing.
This was such a beautiful, humble, and vulnerable speech. Thank you for sharing your beauty and inspiring all of us to do the same. ❤
What a stunningly beautiful speech. The master craftsman at work in yet another medium.
This was so inspiring, beautiful and thought provoking; then again, it’s Rajiv ❤.
From this day forward, I will always think of you Rajiv when I take the stairs.
That covered a lot of ground. So interesting and very well explained.
This is romance, living and breathing art even at the mundane
So beautiful
Mr. Surendra you should be on Canadian Landscape Artist of the Year! I would love to see that brought back and you as a painter
This made me cry, Rajiv. Such beautiful, EXPERIENCED wisdom, gained from the practice of living well. thank to those who made it possible for us to share this video.
Thank you Rajiv for so much insight. I recently started Urban sketching again which I used to do when I was in my late teens. I am now 75. My first attempts look more like heavy awkward Gouache. I know I need to stop being precious and remember the process is for me. Your journey has brought that home to me. I am at the beginning , not the end. Cheers, Muffy from Oz.
To see the beauty in everything...I do that everyday. I have my favorite trees, flowers that I like looking at on my way to work everyday. The ivy that grows off the train overpass. I love forward to seeing these things everyday.
Brilliant speech! I really enjoyed it❤
And being drawn myself into the watercolor painting world, this was so relatable. Listening to you Rajiv and watching my Sargent poster “Gondola Moorings on the Grand Canal” just helped me finally understand why I love this painting and why I was terrified to copy it. But, no longer. Try and fail and learn and repeat until it becomes what fulfills me.
Thank you! 😊
Yes, don't be scared! Thanks for watching.
Funny coincidence, i just commented on your video on how to clean your paint brushes how much i would love a painting video. Not what i anticipated, but even better! Your videos bring so much inspiration to me, thank you for that!
Hello Rajiv! I sat this morning with my coffee in hand and turned on RUclips with the thought of where I was going … it is art related - a recent finding of an amazing artist who collaborated with another artist I love and have taken classes with in watercolor. Funny thing is I often just go straight to my subscriptions because my home page is littered with suggestions that come from things my kids watch. 😂 Today, however, there you were with THIS video and I decided to watch. How did watercolor change his life? Hmmmm… and as I watched, I actually cried. Your journey is amazing and your transparency is wonderful! Thank you for sharing this!! Your art … also very inspiring … every piece you shared. Thank you !! And then … I liked, subscribed, turned on notifications and went to your channel to see what else you put up. It feels like visiting with you. It is like sunshine. Please keep it up - keep sharing - and I send huge friendship hugs in such deep appreciation. I am sure I will comment again on another video… until then ! Have an AMAZING DAY !! ❤😊
Thank you!
Rajiv you are the best kind of human being. I feel sad when I see so much of the toxic junk on the internet and it concerns me that young people fill their heads with all of it. Thank goodness there are people like you out there. Your enthusiasm for everything is so inspiring. You enrich peoples lives and you are responsible for the hundreds of pieces of thrifted china in my apartment 😂🤣🤦♀️. but thats a good thing too. Enjoyed this video so much. Bless your heart. Keep making more videos please. X
It’s amazing when your way of seeing changes. I’m constantly amazed at the nuance of color around me. I often stop to notice and to be witness to the transition of light. It’s like the universe conspired to give me a gift. My practice has deepened since working with watercolor, so I agree that it can change your life. I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in this experience.
Thanks Rajiv, incredibly inspiring speech!
He is an alien ......i say that lovingly. I reserve that title for only thecmost special and unique of people. He is ine that makes us look at life differently. I enjoy him very much.
Your watercolor paintings are VERY impressive! Love hearing your talk about anything and then showing how it affects your life!
I admire your dedication to education and your work ethic. I love your passion for teaching and learning and beauty. I hope someday someone will see how special you are and will pay you lots of money to make a show about all your favorite things and pursuits …that you will never have to worry about money again but be able to focus on and share all your artistic talents and adventures.
Thank you is all i can say. To express in any other way would rob me the feelings and emotions i am left with.❤.
Thank YOU for watching ;-)
It is so interesting to watch you, Rajiv... I feel that my soul is similar to yours. I, too, take the stairs and often choose the more challenging path. I have such a wide variety of interests, but I am never able to go as deep, or stick with it for a very long time. (I've done pottery, embroidery, knitting, crochet, painting, piano, guitar, violin, singing, running, swimming, etc.) I'm in my late 60s I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which explains so much. I just can't do one thing for long enough to become an expert, but I absolutely love what I am doing in the time I'm doing it . At the same time, thanks to Barbara Sher's magnificent book "Refuse to Choose" I came to accept who I am, and acknowledge that there is much that we "skimmers" (as opposed to "divers") bring to the world. We are able to connect ideas together in ways that most divers (who are only interested in, say, one subject) cannot do. Inventions come from minds that link disparate ideas in new and innovative ways. So I really appreciate being able to watch you, Rajiv, taking things where I would love to but don't have the ability to go. It fills a part of me that I can't fill myself, but I so appreciate. Interestingly enough, I am now painting, and have been for several years, and it is the first thing I have found that I could do every day and never tire of. I have painted in oil and acrylic, and recently purchased watercolours and so loved making bookmarkers for friends, choosing subjects that were relevant to each recipient. Watercolours are magic like no other medium!
What a beautiful soul. I wish you would give a talk on writing. I am sure you have tried this creative as well. Thank you for making life so beautiful.
One of my dearest friends was a painter. She died in her 40s. In the last year of her life, she taught herself to paint in watercolors...
Wooow!!! So blessed he shared with us about his creative journey!! I feel enriched and inspired! And what a *beautiful* eye he sees the world and life through because of his artist soul, as well as his life experiences!
I have been struggling to believe in the light and dark process…always trying to force the end to be revealed in the middle only to be disappointed with the mediocre I am left with. Thank you for this amazing inspirational talk that really touched my heart and showed me the direction I need to go in but even more importantly the attitude that I need to adopt if I’m going to reach my goal.
Struggling to paint the human figure. So much to learn. Step by step. Thank you for what you are doing.
Rajiv...you bring artistry to everything you do and you do so much. I appreciate you endlessly ❤
Emily Hughes is an artist here on youtube she is not a world-renowned grand master artist but she is very talented portrait artist who paints with gouache and I have really grown as an artist following her channel ...she has 100 faces challenge and I highly recommend even advanced artists like you to follow other artists. I have learned so much from my peers than art school.
Your calligraphy is next level which I am sure you are aware but who ever gets tired of being told how awesome they are? Thank you for sharing this! You truly inspire me with every single video I watch. Much love and many blessings my friend.❤🔥
This presentation brought tears to my eyes.
Rajiv, come to Houston to speak or something! Several cities in the US need you to help us 'see' 💘
I’ve recently started painting and until this time I never payed attention to the different shades of color that are right in front of me in everything. Rajiv is really someone special and it is always a pleasure to see what he is up to.
Brilliant. Inspirational. Thought-provoking.
It is fascinating to watch someone who understands what watercolors can be! I have watched different artists declare how horrible watercolors are. I have learned that they have not given in to what they cannot control and since they insist that control is the most important thing, the watercolorist is not respected. The joy they miss is deep. I painted for decades before I found a local community college summer class out in the Columbia River Gorge. I struggled a bit but then discovered I no longer wanted to paint what was not sitting in front of me. Catching sunshine and shadow was the challenge!
I think that the beauty of watercolours is being able to go with the flow while still being able to get the result you want. It is a little like magic, and having control over every aspect of a painting will never get us that magic!
Before even beginning to watch, I can say YES YES YES! Painting in watercolor completely changed me! Off to the video!
Omg Rajiv, so beautiful. I cried and cried and cried. A beautiful cry 🩷
Danke, lieber Rajiv!
An dir sieht man, dass wahres Glück viel harte Arbeit, Verzicht, Kompromisslosigkeit bedeutet. Aber all das macht letzen Endes frei und empfindsam...
Und macht Sekunden zur Ewigkeit...
Danke für deine lebensbejahenden Worte!
Sonja aus Stuttgart
Danke dir, Sonja.
WOW! What a lovely talk. It helped me understand watercolor painting in a new way. I am in awe at your self discipline in whatever you take on. Thank you for sharing yourself and your journey with us.
My youngest attended OCAD-U and spent 2018 in Florence where we visited! Then Pienza, Orvieto and Porto Ercole, it was lovely and the Architecture fed my soul! Then Gillian graduated and she swept the awards, I wish my Dad was alive to see it, he broke his neck on his Gold Wing and took to sculpting and he was so proud when I was accepted to OCAD, He would have busted his buttons!
Rajiv you are such an inspiration. ❤
I've lived in the wake of seeing the figural sketches of George B. Bridgman for decades. They leave me breathless. What a fantastic speech and what a lovely way to live.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Just beautiful - thank you Rajiv!🧡💛
Beautiful, thank you for sharing about yoursef, a colored well lived life. Inspiring me also knowing theres is so much passion and appreciation for beauty and arts manifesting from you. My bicycles are my transportation and like you I know the advantagesof it as you described. Be well, keep happy 🙏
What a gift this keynote speech was! So grateful it was shared. The description of the full moon illuminating a slow ride on a bike made me weep with the sheer beauty of it. Thank you.
30:30 this story is so beautiful
Excellent ! Really enjoyed ! ⭐⭐✨✨
Love him so much Rajiv makes me laugh out loud with delight!
I've been watching your videos for 2days now. I love your channel.
I really appreciate what's you shared in here. Thank you, Rajiv! ❤ from The Philippines.
You have inspired me to go back to watercolours. I also find William Turner an endless source of inspiration.
Fabulous! I thank you, Rajiv. 🙏
This is a very valuable lesson everyone needs to hear. Thanks for sharing!
You're happiest when you are alone.since The Thing was thrown apon the world in 2020 i am happier when i am alone and my creations and furniture renovations , my plants etc...ive watched every one of your youtubes ...such a beautiful man.
I love you so much Rajiv , You inspire me.. always. Every single video.
Rajiv than you so much!!! I’m an abstract artist. I started painting 24yrs ago with Watercolour then overlaying soft pastels. It was hard to frame and heavy so I started studying with oil, and abstract. But recently I’m moving back to watercolour. It just has a delicate beauty, I hope to advance to where you are, now I know Watercolour is what I paint.,
Beautiful done talk, you are incredible.
Thank you Rajiv 🙏🏻
Hauntingly beautiful ❤️.
Great video.
Thank you so much for this beautiful presentation.
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS! ❤
Rajiv is just such a fascinating person!
Ive always enjoyed your videos and I am so happy you love watercolour too! I also fell in love with watercolour 4 years ago. And now I'm obsessed. I think it will have a huge come back.
Very inspiring speech. No surprise here.
I found myself hanging on your every word! ...and nodding my head as I have experienced so many similar feelings. Thank you for revealing your thoughts, feelings and creative process so candidly.