Pack your paint brushes and head to Yelagiri Hills

Balaji Venugopal wants to paint. The retired architect is passionate about pen-and-ink sketching, a hobby he has been pursuing since 2002, but is inhibited when it comes to painting.

That’s one of the reasons the 67-year-old is going for ‘Art de Tour’ — a two-day getaway for artists next month, in the Yelagiri Hills.

Planned by Sumitha Sundaram, an artist-cum-businesswoman in the city, the retreat is meant for any artist — amateur or professional — interested in pursuing their craft and networking with other like-minded people.

“There are so many of us who are interested in art but who work at regular jobs because art doesn’t pay. We also don’t know each other, except perhaps on art forums online. This trip is intended for us to take a break and draw, sketch or paint in the midst of nature,” said Ms. Sundraram.

A group of artists from Chennai, Bangalore and other places will meet at Jolarpet station, and from there, head to a resort in Karadimalai, where they can indulge in painting ‘en plein air’ or in the open air, amidst lush greenery and rocky outcrops.

“Artists have, for long, painted outdoors, and in the mid-19 century, working in natural light became important to the Barbizon School and Impressionism. French painters including Monet and Renoir advocated this style, and much of their painting was done outdoors,” said Ms. Sundaram.

For many in the city, art is a serious hobby, one that is both relaxing and energising. Mr. Venugopal, for instance, has a “small arsenal of pens” and often stays up late in the night, sketching.

“I was an ardent golfer but I gave it up, because I couldn’t pursue both hobbies. I spend a lot of time trying to improve my skills and learning online,” he said. Mr. Venugopal is hoping that the retreat will help him get over his block about painting.

Others, like L.P.S. Arun, an IT professional, enjoy sketching, and want to get more serious about it. “I am really looking forward to this trip – I can learn from others there, and also pursue my other hobby – photography,” said the 26-year-old.

Ms. Sundaram is hoping that after this trip, more can be organised for artists from across the south. “We want to keep it to a small group of about 20. So far, 12 people have registered,” she said.

The trip will take place on November 1 and 2 and costs Rs. 3,800. Interested residents can contact: 9940056618.