Natu Mistry
Born in Hallisa, Gujarat in 1933, Natu Mistry did his Diploma in Fine Art from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, Art Masters Examination from C.N. Fine Art College, Ahmedabad and his Bachelor of Arts from L. D. Arts College, Ahmedabad.
Natu Mistry is a veteran artist, cartoonist as well as an author of many books on art learning. 'Kala Sadhna' by Navneet Prakashan is, perhaps, his most well-known publication.
As a painter he is known for his realistic watercolor rendition of various cities and places in Gujarat and other parts of India. His love and fascination for heritage sites with their old-world charm, has been captured with great details in his paintings and drawings. They are at once topographical, realistic compositions evoking our nostalgia. His works have a definite documentary value.The presence of human figures, birds and animals in these evocative compositions enliven and enhance an otherwise deserted canvas. Mistry’s figurative works are infused with emotions and are classical in their execution. The figures are lyrical and enhance the rhythmic quality of the paintings. Soft colors, soothing balance of the paintings are the elements that are of import in Mistry’s works. A master draughtsman Mistry’s control of the line is evident in works that are bereft of any color.
He was Principal of the School of Drawing and Design, Ahmedabad from 1957 to 1962 and worked as a cartoonist for the "Mumbai Samachar" newspaper from 1962 for 27 years. He has written 26 books on Art and Drawing, has held many solo shows, innumerable group exhibitions and has won an award from South Central Zone Culture Centre, Nagpur in 1999. He has been awarded the 1966 and 1971 Gujarat Government Award on books, awarded by the Gujarat Government for Kalavaibhav from South Central Zone Culture Centre, Nagpur and AIFACS Award for Drawing.
He is particularly known for his fine drawings of Gujarati architecture. He lives and works in Ahmedabad.
His acrylic on canvas titled Morning in Jesalmer made in 2019 is on display with us.
