Capturing Bengaluru's Essence: The Watercolour World of Suresh K. Nair

There’s a certain magic in seeing a city through the eyes of someone who truly loves it, someone who sees beyond the everyday hustle and bustle. And for Bengaluru, that person might just be Suresh K. Nair. This talented city-based artist isn’t just painting pictures; he’s capturing the very soul of the Garden City, one vibrant watercolour at a time, transforming its ordinary moments into something truly extraordinary.

Walk through Suresh’s collection, and you’ll find yourself transported. He has a remarkable knack for spotlighting the overlooked – perhaps a forgotten street corner bathed in the afternoon sun, the chaotic yet rhythmic dance of a busy market, or even the quiet dignity of an ancient tree. It’s a wonderful contrast, really: the old, colonial buildings standing proud amidst gleaming new high-rises, or the timeless chatter of street vendors against the backdrop of a rapidly changing skyline. His art beautifully stitches together Bengaluru’s rich past with its ever-evolving present, always with a deep appreciation for the human element that breathes life into these scenes.

But there’s a quiet urgency, a poignant undercurrent, to Suresh’s work. He’s racing against time, in a way, striving to immortalise the city's cherished heritage before it slips away forever. "You know, so many of these old structures, the charming traditional markets, even those beautiful tree-lined avenues… they’re just disappearing so quickly," he shared. "My real aim is to capture them, to document them carefully, so they’re not simply forgotten in the march of progress. They deserve to be remembered, to be seen."

His chosen medium, watercolour, feels incredibly apt for his subject matter. With it, he masterfully renders the subtle play of light and shadow, the rich, earthy colours of everyday Indian life, and the unique textures that define Bengaluru's architecture. His style? It’s wonderfully realistic, yet it speaks to the heart, inviting you to pause, take a deep breath, and truly appreciate the profound beauty that often hides in plain sight, right there in the seemingly ordinary.

Believe it or not, Suresh wasn't always a full-time artist. He spent years in the world of graphic design. But a pivotal watercolour workshop in 2017 truly sparked his passion, setting him on this incredible artistic journey. Since then, he’s not only honed his skills to an impressive degree but has also become a vibrant member of various urban sketching communities. There’s something special, he feels, about the collective inspiration that comes from observing the city together, sharing perspectives, and celebrating its myriad facets.

Ultimately, Suresh K. Nair's paintings are so much more than mere visual representations; they are heartfelt narratives, visual poems, a genuine love letter to Bengaluru. They serve as a powerful, gentle reminder for all of us to truly cherish the city’s unique character, to find the quiet beauty even amidst its glorious chaos, and to hold onto what makes this wonderful city so utterly special. They truly encourage us to look again, and to appreciate.