Studying Self

Mohan, a well-known artist had the privilege of doing portraits of many eminent people. His portraits were always considered to be of high quality. However, there were some who did not like the portraits drawn by him and criticised him. For Mohan, it was disheartening, as he gave his hundred per cent to every assignment.

One day he was discussing the issue with his close friend. The friend thought over and looked keenly at many of the paintings made by Mohan. He did the intense scrutiny of all the paintings which had received criticism as well as applause. After some time, he was able to identify the problem. Without giving a straight answer, he asked Mohan to do a self-portrait,

This intrigued Mohan. He requested his friend to tell him about the problem area without beating about the bush. But the friend was adamant. He told him that the problem will become clear to him once he did a self-portrait. 

Mohan had implicit trust in his friend. So, he decided to act on his advice. He studied various poses and angles for his own portrait. Finally, he decided that the natural pose in which he did painting was the best. He started drawing his portrait where he was sitting comfortably in the bed and working on some painting.

It took him more time that he had bargained for. He was surprised that he had never observed his own face so closely. He had to identify every line and contour of his face, the sitting posture and expressions while working on some painting. It took him almost fifteen days.

He covered the portrait with cloth and put it on a pedestal. He invited his friend to his house and requested him to unveil the portrait. The friend slowly removed the cloth cover and Mohan’s self-portrait stared back at them.

Mohan was not happy with what he saw. He thought he saw some hidden cruelty on the face that he himself had painted. Instead of the serenity which he had expected on his face, it was a face of an agitated and stressed person.

From his expression, the friend was clear that understanding had dawned upon him. He told him that as an artist he painted a true picture of the people, which along with their good traits also brought out their negative traits.

He told him, “You are a great artist, bringing out the real character of people in their portraits. You have done justice even to your own portrait. This portrait has brought out the negative qualities you need to work on.”

Mohan looked at his friend with understanding. Now the expression on his face was serene.