EP #14 : Amit Kapoor | Drawing, Discipline & the Rise of Indian Watercolor | Wet on Wet Podcast

In this powerful fourteenth episode of the Wet on Wet podcast, host Sunil Kalbandi sits down with one of India’s most influential watercolor ambassadors — Amit Kapoor. From humble beginnings in Delhi to becoming President of the International Watercolor Society (India), global workshop leader, brand ambassador, educator, curator, and author, Amit shares the remarkable journey that reshaped India’s watercolor landscape.

With rare honesty, Amit discusses the real foundations of great painting: disciplined drawing, thousands of repetitions, relentless practice, and the importance of studying true masters instead of chasing trends or social-media validation. Listeners will learn how classical animation shaped his perspective, why live sketching matters more than copying photos, how to build visual judgment, and why subtle, international color sensibilities transformed his work.

This episode is a rich masterclass in artistic mindset, perseverance, composition, perspective, and the power of consistent practice. Artists of all levels — especially those struggling with direction, motivation, or fundamentals — will find deep guidance and inspiration from one of the most respected voices in contemporary watercolor.

Guest – Amit Kapoor

Website: https://www.amitkapoorwatercolor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artist_amitkapoor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amit.kapoor.artist

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmitKapoorArtist

Book – Mastering Watercolors: https://www.amitkapoorwatercolor.com/book

Host – Sunil Kalbandi

Website: https://kalbandi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunilkalbandi

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sunilkalbandi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571607046430

Key Insights & Quotes from Amit Kapoor

“If your drawing is not good, color will never save your painting.”

“We all have 10,000 bad drawings — finish them fast.”

“Originals are originals. AI cannot replace the human hand.”

“Don’t follow popularity. Follow the masters.”

“Paper first, pigment second, brushes third. Surface is everything.”

“There is no shortcut. Art needs daily practice, just like breathing.”

“A strong perspective and clear composition decide the painting before color arrives.”

Techniques, Principles & Topics Discussed

Drawing Discipline & Animation Influence

Learning from classical animation: line of action, gesture, top-view perspectives.

Importance of drawing thousands of sketches — fast, live, imperfect.

Why copying Google photos stunts growth.

Fundamentals Over Fashion

Tone, composition, and structure before color.

Building the ability to see good work before painting good work.

Why subtle, broken, mixed colors create international sensibilities.

Indian Watercolor Evolution

How Amit helped revive watercolor culture in India since 2012.

The challenge of standing out when many artists use “factory-like” raw colors.

Breaking away from regional stylistic habits.