Allan Perera - Courier Newspaper article.
Thursday October 31st 2002.

Brush Strokes

SRI LANKA to Auchterarder? This may sound like a drastic move, especially in light of the recent deluge of bad weather here. However, when Allan Perera-Liyanage moved to the Perthshire town in 1983, it gave him the opportunity to start a whole new life.

Allan first came to Auchterarder where he worked at Gleneagles as Credit Manager from 1984 to 1995.

"I always loved to paint. I painted from when I was very young. However, because my job entailed a lot of moving around and long shifts, I didn't always get the chance. When I moved here I was married and had a family, so had to settle down. This gave me the opportunity to paint more. I had forgotten how much I loved it."
"An interior designer saw some of my work and asked me to do some pictures for her project. This was too good to be true. I jumped at the chance."

After his first commission, Allan received many enquiries, which led to further orders. Allan now has pictures in Australia, America and throughout Europe. The abundance of commissions he received meant that he could give up his job at the Hotel and concentrate on painting full-time.

"The type of commission varies enormously from landscapes or a scene from a photograph to portraits. I have also done quite a few pet portraits. These kind of pictures are quite difficult because they are quite personal. The buyer has definite expectations of how they want the picture to look. I am always insistent that the customer really loves the picture. "I once painted a recently deceased Labrador for the owner. When she first saw the picture she burst into tears. I thought, 'oh no, it can't be that bad, can it?' But the lady said she was upset because it looked so like him!

"I will not let a customer pay me unless they are completely happy. Part of this is because I like to ensure customer satisfaction, but also because I grow very attached to a picture while I paint it. I am always sorry to see a picture leave, but am consoled that it is going somewhere that it will really be appreciated."

The recognition that Allan has now achieved as an artist has led to him being an invitational teacher at painting classes. He offers tips on how to paint and lets people in on the tricks of the trade.

"People are always amazed at the end of a class when they are able to take their own painting home. One of the main things I find is that people are often unsure or embarrassed about what they have done. No-one should ever be embarrassed, art is subjective. Its variation of styles and interpretations are what make it such an enjoyable hobby."

It is for this reason he likes teaching so much. He believes an artist can sometimes be seen as a somewhat enigmatic figure. But Allan firmly believes painting is a hobby for everyone, not a vocation for a few. He is even a staunch advocate of Watercolour Challenge! Allan continues, "One of the most important things is to have the desire to paint, that is half the battle. You can always learn technique, it is an artist's vision that is important.

"Another important attribute is to be a critic. When I look at a picture, I mentally deconstruct and try to decipher what method the painter used where. There is always so much to learn.

"I love artists like Constable, his earlier watercolours were splendid. Turner and John Boddington are also favourites. I love watercolour. It is such a difficult medium to master. It takes great discipline and control. One brush stroke too many and the painting can turn into a muddy mess. Knowing when to stop is as important as the painting itself."

Although Allan has achieved so much, and has paintings all over the world as well as being a contributor to many exhibitions at local galleries, he is a man of modest ambitions.

"I just want to keep improving. Success is something separate. You can be quite successful, but not improve at all. I want to be able to face whatever challenge someone puts in front of me. Every new commission I get, there is a frightening moment when I think how on earth I am I going to do this!

"New challenges keep my work interesting, I wouldn't change my job for the world!"

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