“I have no talent, absolutely nothing,” says pensioner Guru Nath. “That’s what I thought for the past 75 years.” The retired research engineer then came across a website that he says added meaning to his life. “When I found Australian artist Len Hend’s website, I thought, this is exactly what I want.” The art-tutorial website >www.paintwithlen.com opened up new avenues to Guru, who wanted to put his free time to good use.
In three months, he learned to paint with help from Hend’s YouTube tutorials. Guru realised that “painting is a pleasurable activity. It is a stress-reliever and is therapeutic on one’s blood-pressure levels.” Guru wanted to share his newly-discovered passion with fellow senior citizens and created a website to do so.
His website, >www.arts4aged.com , is a tool that teaches senior citizens to paint and market their works. “I introduce people to Hend’s website,” explains Guru, adding that it is a bridge between senior citizens and Hend’s painting lessons. Guru suggests that senior citizens can organise themselves into painting clubs and practise together. The website also has a gallery through which the art works can be sold. “I can assist them in any way possible,” he adds. “I have plenty of time and space at my disposal.”
Guru has decorated his home with the art works he did over the last three months. Mostly themed on Nature, they have been done with acrylic paint. Oil paint, he says, is not suitable for the elderly. “The turpentine used for mixing the paint is detrimental to the health of old people,” he explains.
Guru’s palette
Guru Nath has come up with a palette made from a reusable plastic plate. With a small opening to insert his thumb, the palette has a plastic sheet clipped on the four corners. “The sheet can be replaced after it has been used,” he says.
