Nature, Passion and Perseverance: The Art Story of Leelananda Ihalagamage in Melbourne
Leelananda Ihalagamage is a Senior Journalist, Photographer and an Artist, now living in Melbourne, Australia. He had his own first painting stall held recently on Family Fun Day of the Stella Maris Catholic School in Point Cook, which is an annual event.
When we contacted, Leelananda said “This is my first display of paintings held in Melbourne after completing more than 50 acrylic paintings on canvas. This is another defining moment in my life. Good paintings (art pieces) makes people feel good, uplift or brings back their happy memories.”
How did you learn to do paintings, especially abstracts in acrylic paint? “It is a good question” he said. “I love nature. I was inspired by the nature, trees, flowers, birds, animals, rivers, sea, water falls, etc. After carefully watching my paintings, some of my clients and art lovers wondered to see that I started painting and drawing during the last two years. Simply say, I started my paintings in 2024. My wife and I live with my son’s family in a suburb in Melbourne. I had a pretty wish to be an artist one day. First I followed the history of Leonardo da Vinci who was an Italian polymath of the high renaissance and an active painter. I read many books on Art and I have been following not only da’ Vinci, but Picasso and many other world famous Painters, such as Bob Ross, Bill Alexander. To draw animal portraits, I further followed Michelle and other modern Artistes. I followed their important excellent tutorials. The key aspects of Bob Ross are technique, mentor, legacy and cultural icon (happy little tree, etc.).”
“What I can say in brief – I dreamed of painting and then I paint my dream, because Art speaks louder than words. My mind always says – Everything happens for a reason. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t leave your dreams unfinished.”
How do you sell your paintings? “It is bit of a difficult task but if you have a good marketing strategy, you can sell pretty much anything. People like to buy some art pieces that match their home furniture, colour of the walls, fill a space of wall colour scheme, and those can be easily sold regardless of its artistic merit. I never sell art prints but only my original paintings done on canvasses.”
What is your advice to others who love to do painting and art? “Painting is not so easy and also not so difficult, if you have a good vision and a creative imagination, expression of human thoughts; and especially daily practicing is essential. Start with water colour. Then can go to acrylic, oil painting, etc., watch tutorials, attend workshops and study the works of Master Painters. Show your work to others and ask for constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Analyze what went wrong to improve in future art pieces. Be patient.”
He further said “My sincere thanks go to my closest friends, family friends and my family, including my son who encouraged me at the beginning, daughter in law, two grand children Ethan and Zoe who always come up with their genuine comments – even though they are kids yet. I also appreciate who were there with me to help at my first painting stall. Finally, I especially thank Gayani who always encouraged me. And also, those friends and other art lovers who purchased my canvas paintings at the Fair. Nearly 4500 participated at this Fair.”
