Mastering The Art Of Watercolour Harmony With Sahan Kulathunge

Sahan Kulathunge, a self-taught and gifted watercolour artist, was recently celebrated for his talents and awarded first prize for his piece titled “Ascent to Inner Peace” at the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sahan moved to Cairns in 2022 and has been committed to shaping his skills over the past four years, experimenting with acrylics and oil before finding his passion for working with watercolour due to its unique characteristics.

“In 2023, I had the transformative opportunity to work with a talented Sri Lankan artist, Asanka Anujeewa - who is a mentor for me,” explained Sahan.

“Apart from Asanka, Cairns Urban Sketchers, and Cairns Art Society have played a significant role in my art journey.”

Sahan’s award-winning piece draws upon Buddhists’ beliefs to illustrate a path to the light through following in the footsteps and guidance set by monks to reach inner peace, and in creating this journey, Sahan incorporated lighter tones.

“Buddhists believe the pathway to inner peace is reducing buildings to the material things – lesser the buildings, calmer the mind,” shared Sahan.

An artform of precision, Sahan spent three hours creating “Ascent to Inner Peace”, and an additional ten hours studying tone, light, composition, sketching, and completing pre-works.

“Watercolour has to be done within a limited time, and the unique thing about watercolour is you have to be quick and precise when you paint as once you make a stroke that’s done – you can’t work over and over unlike other mediums.”

After receiving the People Award at the 2024 Hinchinbrook Birdlife Awards and winning second place in the 2024 Cairns Show’s watercolour section, November’s Hinchinbrook Art Awards staged the third time Sahan has been commended for his talents this year.

“The most interesting and challenging aspect about art for me is selecting the subject and context to paint as the subject is not just photo or sketch, it needs to be a tool that conveys your message, and your feelings in a way that catches the eye and attention of the viewer – that’s a real challenge,” added Sahan.

“There’s lots left to learn about watercolour as it’s the most challenging medium in fine art and by learning and developing my own unique style, I’m hoping to become a recognised watercolourist in the region, and if the conditions allow, I’m keen to do academical studies in fine art as well.”