Posted by 7.45 am ….2nd may 2015 …
I received a chat message “Thanks for the images”. It was indeed a great moment to receive simple appreciation from a great watercolorist Vikrant Shitole. Actually I shared some of his paintings exhibited in Dombivili Art show with our artist group in whatsapp. He was talking about those images. I respect him so much that I become speechless when I am with him or on phone. I just forget what I wanted to say or what I wanted to ask him. The same thing repeated then, when next line popped up “I am going to Belapur today for landscape. Sorry I should have informed you before. Are u coming?”
O…My God… There was no question to say “NO” for such golden opportunity to watch him painting live. The painting spot was close to my place, maybe that’s the reason why he asked me about joining his outdoor session. Actually I was supposed to go out with my friend Anu. But with a fraction of second I changed my plan and said “ I will be right there at spot, sir”. May be that would not have been an exact demonstration of painting but a great opportunity to learn while watching him painting. Watching demos don’t always give you all knowledge but give us new vision and sometimes some ideas strike that we neglect in normal course.
Though whatever I learn from him doesn’t reflect in my paintings. And off course there is long way for me to reach that level….but always eager to hear his thoughts about painting. Once while judging competition Vikrant advised us that each and every artist friend is our guru and everyone contribute to our success. This is indeed a great thought to respect our friends too.
His artistic greatness is visible in awards he won at national and international level. There is a huge list of his Achievements:
2014 : Best watercolor award – International Creative Art Centre
2013 : Bronze medal – Palm Art Award, Germany 2014
2013 : Finalist “You be the judge” Contest. USA
2013 : Finalist Louisiana Watercolor Society, USA
2013 : Istanbul Watercolor Society Contest Award
2013 : Finalist California Watercolor Association
2013 : Chitrasangam Art & Cultural Academy award
2013 : Indian academy of fine arts award, Amritsar
2012 : Palm Art Award, Germany
2012 : Finalist in International Watercolor Society Contest
2012 : Istanbul Watercolor Society Contest Award
2012 : Art Society of India- N.D. Naik award for Outstanding entry
2001 : 2nd Prize for landscape at Nehru centre watercolor study camp
You must be wondering why I remember the day so much. Even though Vikrant is great artist by heart, he is a down-to-earth person too. He the man, who is undeniably #madeofgreat.
Coming back to my story… After receiving his message I quickly dressed and was ready to go. Since the spot was nearby my house, he came to pick me from my house. I was feeling so awkward with his kind gesture. We met one of his students on the way who then guided us to small jetty. The spot was awesome for painting. I did a small painting myself and sat beside Vikrant to watch his painting process. Sometimes it’s make you depress when you watch experts painting with such ease. As my painting journey is recently started, I could realize that there is long way for me to reach even 10% of his level.
But I surely wanted to use this opportunity to ask him lot of questions that are bothering for long time. Which material should I use at my learning stage? Why sketching is important? Which medium should I use? Which is the easiest medium to work? But instead I asked the funny question. “Do you practice every day?” And he smiled at my bewildered look on my face and calmly said “Very less with my hectic routine” And frankly accepted that “I won’t give excuses, but I want to work on something different than normal landscapes. There are some different plans and May be that’s why this gap is needed.” And I could see the changes in his painting style since he has shifted to UAE. Nowadays watching his cityscapes is feast for our eyes.
After a silence of moments, I succeeded to utter a word about myself. , “I am practicing but don’t understand where I am lacking?” I am practicing for last one year and not at all satisfied with my own paintings. So though to ask him what exactly I am missing.
And Vikrant gave me an answer with deep meaning. Though it is related to painting, it also fits with life experiences too. “ Why you are being so conscious? Be yourself.”
“ Tell me, Suppose after some time , If you really like your painting , will you share with all?
I breathed deeply and answered “Yes”
Vikrant smiled and said, “Then if you think… this is your failure phase…. Enjoy it”
He was right…. Most of the time, we spend our energy in thinking about failure. If we can enjoy our success, we should learn to enjoy our failures too. His each and every word encouraged me to face all those difficulties in process of learning painting, understanding spaces, watching magic of light and shadow and looking beyond what we actually see. The day I spent with him was lasting impression and impact on my life.
I am thankful to Indiblogger for giving me opportunity to share my lovely experience of lovely person who himself is #madeofgreat. Wondering what is #madeofgreat? It’s a campaign ran by Tata Motors. Tata motors is no doubt a great brand for excellence and innovation. The other talented youth icon is Lionel Messi. His struggle made him tough. What are common in Lionel Messi and Tata Motors is reliability, trust and simplicity. And Tata Motors’ association with Lionel Messi is going to be #madeofgreat http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
Enjoyed reading my experience? Here is something for you too….An exciting contest for you all readers by Tata Motors. Rs. 750/- You can win Amazon voucher for the Best Comment , which answers :
” What do you think of Tata Motors’ association with Lionel Messi ?”
Excellent post . Its true that sometimes we are so cautious about so many things that we forget to enjoy small things in life .
Tata Motors is a brand which is one of its kind , Trustworthy and innovative .
Lionel Messi is a Legend and youth icon , a person who is extra ordinary talented ,energetic , confident & dedicated to his profession .
So association of Tata motors and Lionel Messi is a Great Thing as both of them does not know tiredness and are committed to their brand value .This collaboration would definitely give an edge to Tata Groups over its competitors as the brand ambassador Messi hold the reputation of not letting down his fans as Tata motors has given the best to the world.
A new Era of success is born when a talent meets a Top Brand .
Thank you Ghazala
Wow, very lucky to be associated with great painter. Great people do have real great knowledge to pass on and it is our sheer luck to have a grasp at it. Very insightful words to enjoy the failure phase. Very tough but really apt. Kudos.
To the question of Lionel Messi’s association with Tata motors I must say that they have hit a jackpot and they will rise and shine in the glory of the one great Lionel Messi.
Yes, Vikrant is real Gem! Thanks for your comment.
Awesome read, Manisha! 🙂
As for the expression of views towards the question, I would like to answer through a stanza or two of verse:
—
‘What drives us from within is what makes us great’
Belief in oneself, the zeal to put up a brave face,
In the face of adversity, to stand strong against fate,
That’s how life is – it’s an excellent goal to chase!
To create a name for oneself, from the soil your feet dampen,
To let critics enhance your effort, not let your spirits dampen,
It’s the journey that counts, more than having scaled the peak,
To persevere so that it’s your actions that have the loudest shriek!
—
To sum up, I feel that this age-old adage rings true whenever I think of this beautiful alliance of an Indian Global Brand – Tata Motors and a Global Argentinian Sportsperson – Lionel Messi
“Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated”
That realization is truly #madeofgreat. 🙂
Thanks for reading the post Poonam!
It felt good to learn about your experience with Vikrant, Manisha.
Good job writing a detailed account. 🙂
As for the expression of views towards the question, I would like to answer through a stanza or two of verse:
—
‘What drives us from within is what makes us great’
Belief in oneself, the zeal to put up a brave face,
In the face of adversity, to stand strong against fate,
That’s how life is – it’s an excellent goal to chase!
To create a name for oneself, from the soil your feet dampen,
To let critics enhance your effort, not let your spirits dampen,
It’s the journey that counts, more than having scaled the peak,
To persevere so that it’s your actions that have the loudest shriek!
—
To sum up, I feel that this age old adage rings true whenever I think of this beautiful alliance of an Indian Global Brand – Tata Motors and a Global Argentinian Sportsperson – Lionel Messi
“Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated”
That realization is truly #madeofgreat. 🙂
You really had an interesting and thoughtful day. Vikrant’s “Why are you being so conscious” moved me as well. His simple yet sophisticated in meaning words speaks for his vast wisdom. Amazing post, I enjoyed reading it.
As per the question, it’s no brainer that both Tata and Messi have paved their own path to success with nothing but sheer will to withstand all the obstacles. Tata as we all know has been time and time over again has been called “The Backbone of Indian Economy” is not only recognized in India, but its innovation and flabbergasting technology is acknowledged worldwide. Similarly, Messi from playing with his siblings to becoming one of the greatest football starts this world has seen. No doubt, both Tata & Lionel Messi have engraved their mark on this world and even after getting there they haven’t stopped. Now, that’s what really inspires me the most.
Hhahaha, I guess I got overwhelmed but nonetheless, again very well written post Manisha ma’am. Goodluck for your future endeavors.
Thanks Vikas!
Lovely post. I think such stories come straight from heart. Very vibrant colourful ode.
regarding the tata motors association with Mesi–
I feel it is a made for each other sort of combination. The one which even the best of match makers cannot strike. Tata Motors and Lionel messi both represent the state of utmost importance and power in their respective fields. And it will be really interesting to see what will happen once this combo unites.
Tata Motors is synonymous to trust and Lionel Messi stands for strength. Looking forward to the best combination of trust+Strength. #madeforgreat
Thanks Riddhi!
Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
Here is my answer
The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
aaloke19@gmail.com
Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
My answer is:
Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
fingers crossed
Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
Here is my answer.
Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
Fingers crossed 🙂
Your post defines #madeofgreat in a awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
My Answer
Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
bhuwan198grover@gmail.com
Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com