KATHMANDU: Beautiful panoramic view of different terrains of Nepal, women, and Nepali lifestyle come alive in 'Watercolours' — a watercolour painting exhibition that began at Newa Chhen Art Gallery, Patan on February 27.

Thirteen artists have showcased their painting skills in the exhibition organised by International Watercolour Society- Nepal Chapter.

Artist Bhim Shrestha has painted two portraits of women. In one of his portraits, he has used semi-realistic form to paint a middle aged woman. The woman in traditional Nepali attire — sari, cholo, patuki and a red necklace is drawing water from a well in metal bucket to fill her vessels. The painting’s background — in hues of red, yellow, green, blue, and white — resembles the fog of colours during Holi, symbolising the celebration of everyday life.

Another artist to use semi-realistic form is NB Gurung. He has painted a herd of yaks descending the mountain. White, blue, brown, black, purple and red colours at the backdrop of this painting let you feel the thundering move of yaks, leaving the snow behind.

Yak has become the motif of artist Lalkaji Lama too — he has painted yaks walking on a trail in a hill, carrying loads on their backs. Stunning landscape with clouds, mountains and hills also make a part of the same painting. It is a realistic work where Lama has added the artistic quotient with the use of traditional art of spiral form of clouds that is usually found in thanka.

In Dipendra Man Banepali's painting, you can witness the beauty of tea garden of Illam. He has meticulously given natural texture to his painting. The numerous leaves of the trees in his panoramic painting, when seen from distance seem real. Moreover, he has successfully captured the light and shadow of the tea garden, putting the garden on the spotlight.

From beautiful tea garden to mountains to busy streets to countryside to beautiful portraits to mesmerising landscapes, the exhibition depicts natural beauty through watercolours.

The exhibition is on till March 3.