Vishi Ravikanth Dharmasiriwardena – Animal Artist Interview

Name
Vishi Ravikanth Dharmasiriwardena

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: ww.wildlifeandnaturepaintings.com
Facebook: Vishi R. Dharmasiriwardena

Where I am
Sri Lanka.

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I am a self-taught, full-time, wildlife and nature artist, who specializes in the mediums of both oil and watercolor. All my works are original creations, and have never been duplicated. I try to portray my subjects, especially animals, with as much realistic detail as possible, so that a beholder might be heard to say that they, virtually, “come alive”!

I also strive to capture the moods and “emotions” of animals, as well as the ambience of their natural habitats. I avoid basing myself on photography, and frequently visit both wildlife sanctuaries and the zoological gardens of Sri Lanka, to engage in the study of bone structure, movements and mannerisms, of the animals that I paint.

Two, among my larger paintings, depicting native wildlife, namely “The Charge” (a charging Tusker – 63 x 42”) and “The Serpent Eagle” (a life size Serpent Eagle – 34 x 62”), have already been purchased, for the lifetime private collection of the U.S. embassy, in Colombo. In January of this year I was invited to represent Sri Lanka at Protect Wildlife Heritage, an “Art Exhibition and Workshop by Artists from Scandinavia and Asia,” organized by TellusArt, Sweden, held in India.

When did you first start drawing & painting?
I first started painting at the age of five. I remember sketching various animals, especially elephants. I continued to do this until I realized that I was, in fact, improving and developing a skill.

You paint a variety of animals, what is your favorite subject to use?
I paint creatures that are indigenous to Sri Lanka, which boasts 333 species of birds and many mammalian species; among my favorites are elephants, leopards, bears, and deer.

The elephant, being the most intelligent, strongest and largest among them, has long since commanded both my respect and admiration.

Have you ever considered painting horses?
I did paint horses, a long time ago. However, since they are not naturally found in Sri Lanka, leaning their detailed anatomy has posed quite a challenge. Maybe, someday, I might have the opportunity to freely study a live specimen, for the purpose of depicting it in my work.

Who are your main influences?
The individual whose work first impressed me was David Shepherd. I have since been influenced by Robert Bateman, Carl Brenders and John Seerey Lester, to name a few.

Your work helps to promote wildlife & nature, can you tell us how that has shaped your career?
For my part, I have long been committed towards spreading the message of a dire need to protect both nature and its wildlife, especially through my art, which focuses exclusively on this very theme – for they say that a picture speaks a thousand words!

My motto has always been “Let’s make this planet a ‘naturally’ beautiful place, for our future generations to live in!”

This has enabled me to gain international recognition, from organizations such as TellusArt, Sweden.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
A calm ambience and familiar music work best for my art.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Sri Lanka’s jungles and its national parks, have always inspired me with their abundant wildlife and scenic beauty.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
It will certainly bring art, closer to the masses, as it provides instantaneous access to the world’s masterpieces, in just a few clicks of a mouse.

Hopefully, this might just whet the appetite of enthusiasts, enough, to get them into the museums and galleries to truly appreciate the magnificence of realistic depiction.

Has it had an effect on yours?
Tremendously. In fact, the world has gotten to know me more through the Internet than otherwise.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
I cannot say that I have a personal favorite – I have so many favorites.

Would you ever sell it?
Even if had a personal favorite, I would not hesitate to depart with it – not for the price it would fetch, but for the sheer joy of seeing someone else admiring and enjoying my work.

What else are you passionate about?
Wildlife conservation – this is the greatest service anyone could ever do!

Working on anything new?
I have commenced work on my first tiger depiction. When finished, it will be donated to the “Save the tiger project – India,” as patronized by world-renowned wildlife filmmaker, Dr. Mike Pandey.

More to Come

Thanks to Vishi for answering the interview and sharing his work. Be sure to check out his artist’s site periodically for updates about his latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.