|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Page 2 of 2 When at work, he used a long stick to support his hand especially when the painting was large and the canvas was wide. He sat at his easel for eight to twelve hours even during his eighties. An early riser and in the ambrosial hours he used to read the philosophical works of Krishnamurti, Emerson, Thoreau and Whitman who were his favourite writers. Khalil Gibran attracted him in his late years. He lived a free life suiting his aesthetic sense. He loved solitude, and felt himself complete in harmony with nature. He was a strict vegetarian, frugal but very selective eater, avoided food seasoned with condiments and was fond of sweets, fruit and coffee. He was born at Sri Hargobindpur in Punjab but lived most of his life at Andretta, near Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, a small village and a very calm place with snow capped Dhauladhar forming the imposing backdrop.
The semi-circular verandah of his house faced east and gave a broad view of the horizon. It had paintings hanging on its walls. There was a big cage with parapets and sparrows. Rinti - a light golden big Gaddi sheep dog was usually seen around. He came out in the morning, sat and enjoyed the dawn in their company. His famous paintings are Guru Nanak (Blessing attitude with raised hand), Guru Gobind Singh (Last-Resort) and Guru Tegh Bahadur. His painting of Sohni-Mahiwal brought him an instant fame. He was a member of different art academies, art societies and art-associations. He was a fellow of Punjabi University, Patiala He was the State Artist of Punjab. He was declared Artist of the People in 1972. The Government of India in 1984 awarded him Padamshri. The Punjabi University conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) in 1985.
(source : This article was published on the occasion of the 84th birthday of Sardar Sobha Singh (29th Nov.1985) in The Tribune Sunday Reading (Nov.24, 1985). The Author, Dr. M.S. Randhawa, a great critic and connosieur of Art, died on March 3, 1986 )
|
