National Gallery of Modern Art-Parikraman

Nandalal Bose

A Sketch from Album No. 71 8846 Nandalal Bose Watercolour on postcard

Nandalal preferred drawing from life, often sketching outdoors with the subject being life, nature studies, landscapes, figure drawings, animals. Often the sketches were small in scale although invigorating with the rich detailing of the artist's observations, experiences and sojourns to various places. In this delightful drawing the artist has portrayed women collecting leaves in their sacks from underneath the banyan tree. The fluid handling of the line and their strong delineation in the calligraphic style adds grace and spirit to the subjects. The folds of the drapes, their coiffures, ornaments and their implements are keenly observed by the artist. The perceptible representation of both the tree and the women is executed with bold contouring lines that not only lends tonal variations but accentuates their true form as well. Art historian R. Siva Kumar in the book, 'Rhythms of India: The Art of Nandalal Bose' has described the sketches and drawings of Nandalal as - "Nandalal's drawing take through different landscapes and introduce us to life in different cultures- not cosmetically, but intimately. Done on small cards, these drawings are a visual record of the artist's sensory experiences, and they capture the varying moods and gestures with remarkable ease and economy."