Learning to paint with Chaitali
In the year I turned seventy, Chaitali taught me how to paint using watercolours and acrylics. I took her online class for a year. We had two weekly classes, Saturday and Sunday, for an hour, but each class was permanently extended by another hour.
She taught us how to use brushes, colour-mixing techniques, various brush strokes, and the type of paper required for the medium. She also taught us about layering, using light and shade, and choosing colours based on the context. Tiny tots in my class would interrupt and ask her questions- “Teacher this.. Teacher that”, and so on. She was very patient in taking two steps back and going over the steps once again.
Several eager ‘beavers’ in our class wanted to show her the work to get some brownie points. I always preferred taking notes, revising after the class completed the job, and submitting my work late. She never rebuked me for my late submissions.
While visiting Goa recently, I considered it an excellent opportunity to meet her. I texted her my travel plans and checked whether it would be possible for her to meet me. She promptly replied with her availability. We agreed to finalise the venue and the time as we approach the day of my travel.
She lived in North Goa, while my hotel was in South Goa. On the day of my arrival, she texted me the venue and the time — Tulsi Cafe in Mapusa at 5:30 pm. The bell captain at my hotel advised me to provide at least two hours as the road to Mapusa is under repair. As I was new to Goa, I hired a hotel cab and set out by 3 pm, providing a cushion of 30 minutes. My driver reached the venue one hour early, and I did not know what to do. I roamed Mapsua market and arrived at the hotel by 5 pm.
Sitting in Tulsi Cafe, a small establishment near the market square, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of anticipation. I had chosen a seat that offered a clear view of the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my mentor.
At 5:30 pm, a slender woman, a little more than five-five, entered the restaurant with a small bag. She was wearing a simple floral dress and walked straight towards me. I am sure she recognised me, as I was constantly looking at the entrance. I guessed she must be half my age.
After exchanging pleasantries, we talked about our families, the purpose of my Goa visit, and other topics of interest. I thanked her for her patience in teaching a seven to seventy-year-old class. She ordered a ‘Goan Pav’ and ‘kaiju sabzi,’ delicacies in Goa. While expressing my painting challenges, she encouraged me not to give up the painting practice and was willing to look at my work and give feedback despite her hectic schedule. I expressed my gratitude for her help developing a new skill at a very late age. She suggested I visit Goa for three days to hone my painting skills.
As I reminisced about my younger days, when I approached my teachers with deep respect and admiration, I couldn’t help but feel a similar reverence for Chaitali. Our meeting left me with renewed motivation and determination, ready to face the challenges of my painting journey with renewed vigour.
(Instagram Handle: Chaitali Morajkar (@chaitali_morajkar_)
