Painting in Watercolor Has Changed My Life - With Rajiv Surendra (Keynote Speech)

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  • Опубліковано 3 тра 2024
  • 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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КОМЕНТАРІ • 210

  • @Cloudsandcrystalz
    @Cloudsandcrystalz 24 дні тому +84

    If Rajiv was a professor, all his classes / courses would have waiting lists ❤

  • @gwencrosswhite9329
    @gwencrosswhite9329 27 днів тому +107

    Rajiv’s words for life: Take the stairs. Your words about humility and repetition are wonderful and so important. Attempting is humbling but with persistence can lead to mastery.

  • @TheLounika21
    @TheLounika21 15 днів тому +10

    Made me cry. Thanks for the reminder that the light only exists because the shadow does at well

  • @dianecourtney2724
    @dianecourtney2724 27 днів тому +71

    I love our very own Renaissance man Rajiv 🥰✌🏼

  • @pamelabateman9211
    @pamelabateman9211 25 днів тому +48

    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"

  • @janessatravis9526
    @janessatravis9526 27 днів тому +70

    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.

    • @kh884488
      @kh884488 23 дні тому

      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.

    • @amber588
      @amber588 11 днів тому

      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.

  • @jeannerolig6042
    @jeannerolig6042 27 днів тому +58

    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.

  • @nostraa6125
    @nostraa6125 27 днів тому +24

    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.

  • @anamenendez1997
    @anamenendez1997 27 днів тому +34

    Marvelous and eloquent! Rajiv is a treasure and a true Renaissance man!

  • @aj-yi6os
    @aj-yi6os 21 день тому +5

    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❤

  • @marionandrews176
    @marionandrews176 27 днів тому +37

    As usual, I could listen to Rajiv for hours. He’s inspiring me to pick up my pencil again and start sketching.

  • @maryegerton6848
    @maryegerton6848 27 днів тому +24

    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.

  • @editjakintana4692
    @editjakintana4692 27 днів тому +47

    ❤❤❤ 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
    ❤❤❤

  • @carlarivas1238
    @carlarivas1238 25 днів тому +14

    It’s people like Rajiv that bring beauty and serenity into our world. A tremendous thank you.

  • @anamariamonteroborges4655
    @anamariamonteroborges4655 27 днів тому +22

    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 “

  • @coloredmyhandsgold
    @coloredmyhandsgold 24 дні тому +11

    "A master can see the beauty in almost anything " that line!!!!

  • @elisabethvismans
    @elisabethvismans 13 днів тому +1

    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.

  • @homeschooledaroundtheworld4660
    @homeschooledaroundtheworld4660 27 днів тому +18

    We ❤U Rajiv!!! We need more people like you in this world🙏

  • @susandorward2293
    @susandorward2293 26 днів тому +13

    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.

  • @bfranklin1052
    @bfranklin1052 27 днів тому +23

    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🙏🏼

  • @carolannefisher1516
    @carolannefisher1516 24 дні тому +9

    Thank you simply for being you, Rajiv.

  • @mgpm17
    @mgpm17 27 днів тому +25

    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 ❤️

    • @mgpm17
      @mgpm17 27 днів тому

      Oh, and your work is amazing!!!!!

    • @mgpm17
      @mgpm17 27 днів тому +1

      You made me cry with the moon. And the 'seeing and the holding'. xo

  • @nishasankaran
    @nishasankaran 24 дні тому +3

    Rajiv, come to Houston to speak or something! Several cities in the US need you to help us 'see' 💘

  • @tracyleecornish5398
    @tracyleecornish5398 4 дні тому +1

    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.

  • @leigilmore
    @leigilmore 27 днів тому +15

    Your speech was not overstated - great message. This will stick with me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom so thoughtfully, Rajiv!

  • @katpaints
    @katpaints День тому

    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!

  • @laurasombra628
    @laurasombra628 15 днів тому +1

    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.

  • @SarahRankin-fj8cw
    @SarahRankin-fj8cw 6 днів тому +1

    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...

  • @DD-zm1uu
    @DD-zm1uu 25 днів тому +5

    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 “UA-cam 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.

  • @AmbrosiaK
    @AmbrosiaK 27 днів тому +12

    I love how you delve into your journeys and go 100%. Thanks for sharing them.

  • @Kim-qt7yn
    @Kim-qt7yn 27 днів тому +11

    From this day forward, I will always think of you Rajiv when I take the stairs.

  • @lindabardes9974
    @lindabardes9974 26 днів тому +7

    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.

  • @doublescorpions
    @doublescorpions 16 днів тому +1

    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.

  • @user-qy2kw9kx3o
    @user-qy2kw9kx3o 21 день тому +1

    What a stunningly beautiful speech. The master craftsman at work in yet another medium.

  • @yart123
    @yart123 27 днів тому +11

    This was so inspiring, beautiful and thought provoking; then again, it’s Rajiv ❤.

  • @floraluxla
    @floraluxla 27 днів тому +8

    This was such a beautiful, humble, and vulnerable speech. Thank you for sharing your beauty and inspiring all of us to do the same. ❤

  • @denasewell
    @denasewell 2 дні тому

    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.❤‍🔥

  • @lucib8497
    @lucib8497 19 днів тому +1

    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.

  • @Muffy.from-Oz
    @Muffy.from-Oz 24 дні тому +3

    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.

  • @kattales1108
    @kattales1108 День тому

    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.

  • @TheDabshear
    @TheDabshear 5 днів тому

    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!

  • @maureenm.
    @maureenm. 2 дні тому

    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.

  • @kjova251
    @kjova251 8 днів тому

    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

  • @janelte
    @janelte 26 днів тому +3

    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.

  • @joymitchell-alderman1494
    @joymitchell-alderman1494 6 годин тому

    Love him so much Rajiv makes me laugh out loud with delight!

  • @janetmonaghan5419
    @janetmonaghan5419 24 дні тому +1

    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

  • @annboswell4436
    @annboswell4436 27 днів тому +3

    Rajiv i knew it. In a you tube video you referred to Marcelo not using his las n ame. I took lessons from him in Miami ar t he Bakehouse. He moved to NY.. in one class he pointed out. That I was not painting within the lines of my drawing. This was one pf he indicators that I was losing ,y central vision to Macular Degenneration. Take care of yout eyes and hugs to Marcelo Daidoce.

    • @rajivsurendra
      @rajivsurendra  26 днів тому

      Yes! Marcelo lived in Miami for a while. He's so, so, so, good, and I'm very grateful to be learning from him. Thank you for watching.

  • @lauranewton7732
    @lauranewton7732 24 дні тому +3

    I appreciate your gentle way of communicating your thoughts and your humble demeanor. You are authentic and a wonderful gem. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Englishroserebecca
    @Englishroserebecca 26 днів тому +2

    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

  • @jennifertoliver9546
    @jennifertoliver9546 27 днів тому +2

    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!

  • @Mina_Susnjevic
    @Mina_Susnjevic 27 днів тому +3

    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! 😊

    • @rajivsurendra
      @rajivsurendra  26 днів тому

      Yes, don't be scared! Thanks for watching.

  • @jennameese8738
    @jennameese8738 17 днів тому +1

    30:30 this story is so beautiful

  • @mariAAAAAA_r
    @mariAAAAAA_r 27 днів тому +4

    This is romance, living and breathing art even at the mundane
    So beautiful

  • @leticiafaxas6069
    @leticiafaxas6069 26 днів тому +2

    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.

  • @adelamoon
    @adelamoon 27 днів тому +4

    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.

  • @rinipegka
    @rinipegka 24 дні тому +1

    A keynote about living deeply, intentionally, mindfully. Thank you.

  • @user-ob6jr8id7q
    @user-ob6jr8id7q 27 днів тому +4

    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

  • @mysteriousu5528
    @mysteriousu5528 27 днів тому +8

    Rajiv, That was a heart warming and touching speech. Your bike ride and the scene over the Brooklyn bridge made me cry.
    We are all mere observers in this world. We should strive to observe things happening around us. We have to absorb some, filter some and reject or ignore some.
    Bruce Lee said "Be like water, my friend". Water molds itself to any shape in which it is poured into and if we are all little bit flexible like that, life will be wonderful.
    Thank you for sharing this amazing speech.

    • @cynthiamorianti3719
      @cynthiamorianti3719 27 днів тому

      Rajiv, I too felt that moment over the bridge through your words. Love you passion.

  • @Thejjudy
    @Thejjudy 27 днів тому +2

    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!

  • @marnoch4632
    @marnoch4632 23 дні тому +1

    The dark makes the sun come to life.

  • @urunconsciousMind
    @urunconsciousMind 24 дні тому +1

    Well said plein air is a beautiful technique that is Magical in a sense ,Watercolors has changed my perspective dramatically. Painting at different times is amazing the way light is seen is like a Gift from God himself.much love thanks for sharing❤

  • @bonnerdebbie
    @bonnerdebbie 27 днів тому +5

    Thanks Rajiv, incredibly inspiring speech!

  • @johannakiernan5967
    @johannakiernan5967 7 днів тому

    I cried my way through this.

  • @cynthia2233
    @cynthia2233 27 днів тому +2

    Your watercolor paintings are VERY impressive! Love hearing your talk about anything and then showing how it affects your life!

  • @DuluthTW
    @DuluthTW 20 днів тому

    This is a very valuable lesson everyone needs to hear. Thanks for sharing!

  • @dianecourtney2724
    @dianecourtney2724 27 днів тому +3

    Crazy how happy the Bike ride over the Williamsburg Bridge makes me 😂😂🥰

  • @savitriseegobin3818
    @savitriseegobin3818 27 днів тому +3

    Thank you is all i can say. To express in any other way would rob me the feelings and emotions i am left with.❤.

  • @smallmoments957
    @smallmoments957 4 дні тому

    Thank you so much for this beautiful presentation.

  • @dcblondie2141
    @dcblondie2141 14 днів тому

    Omg Rajiv, so beautiful. I cried and cried and cried. A beautiful cry 🩷

  • @annavirta2596
    @annavirta2596 26 днів тому

    Bravo!!!

  • @annettetoohey8934
    @annettetoohey8934 26 днів тому

    WOW! Loved it!

  • @Kookka_
    @Kookka_ 27 днів тому

    Just wow Rajiv.

  • @mararobla
    @mararobla 27 днів тому

    I love this man ❤

  • @mendyhand3895
    @mendyhand3895 22 дні тому

    Wow! ❤️🙏🏻🖌🎨

  • @susankrzywicki
    @susankrzywicki 26 днів тому

    Thank you!

  • @kimhobby8136
    @kimhobby8136 27 днів тому

    Thank you! This is rare ...

  • @janeyjanedee2493
    @janeyjanedee2493 18 днів тому

    Love this so much!

  • @user-os2zy2dp6j
    @user-os2zy2dp6j 27 днів тому +3

    Brilliant. Inspirational. Thought-provoking.

  • @milliemcwilliams5549
    @milliemcwilliams5549 25 днів тому

    You are inspiring.

  • @odettelobao2081
    @odettelobao2081 25 днів тому

    Your talents are amazing

  • @wonkybeautiful
    @wonkybeautiful 26 днів тому

    Rajiv, you are wonderful

  • @katefarmer1487
    @katefarmer1487 27 днів тому

    very inspiring, thank you

  • @michellepereira2328
    @michellepereira2328 24 дні тому

    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.

  • @ingridbond3432
    @ingridbond3432 27 днів тому +1

    excellent

  • @elizabethtallman3280
    @elizabethtallman3280 26 днів тому

    Such a profound message.

  • @pamelapeters3342
    @pamelapeters3342 27 днів тому +2

    This was wonderful!

  • @DaisyDebs
    @DaisyDebs 27 днів тому +2

    Excellent ! Really enjoyed ! ⭐⭐✨✨

  • @martinechavarria7290
    @martinechavarria7290 26 днів тому

    Always an inspiration. 🙂

  • @sharonferris9343
    @sharonferris9343 26 днів тому

    Thank you

  • @Moe-zo4fm
    @Moe-zo4fm 22 дні тому

    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.

  • @Shrn57
    @Shrn57 20 днів тому

    Beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂❤️

  • @user-vv4hg7me1q
    @user-vv4hg7me1q 27 днів тому

    Enjoyed your speech as ever. S

  • @lorifontaine
    @lorifontaine 21 день тому

    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.

  • @pamelasusanne22
    @pamelasusanne22 23 дні тому

    Beautiful presentation!

  • @JingLiSH
    @JingLiSH 16 днів тому

    Beautiful

  • @issyness8658
    @issyness8658 27 днів тому +1

    Fabulous as usual! Thank you AGAIN Rajiv!!

  • @susanphend2189
    @susanphend2189 27 днів тому +2

    Fabulous! I thank you, Rajiv. 🙏

  • @trinidiana
    @trinidiana 23 дні тому

    This was wonderful, he is wonderful!

  • @utahdan231
    @utahdan231 27 днів тому +1

    Very inspiring speech. No surprise here.

  • @Winstonsmom
    @Winstonsmom 11 днів тому

    Absolutely lovely. Thank You.