By Rihaab Mowlana
Photo courtesy: Push Nanayakkara

At 50, Push Nanayakkara picked up her first paintbrush. Not in an art class, not as part of a childhood passion finally rekindled, but as a complete beginner, stepping into a world she had never thought would belong to her.

“My art journey is unconventional. I didn’t pick up a paintbrush in my childhood. Mine began in my fiftieth year as a result of a fulfilment of prophecy! I discovered painting to be extremely therapeutic, and I began to realise how much joy it brought me, to say the least. That’s when I thought I must pass on my newfound passion to other older people who might love to explore art and cultivate a hobby that will bring joy and meaning to the rest of their lives!”

It’s this spark that has grown into Birds of a Feather, the debut Colour Pencil Art Exhibition by Push and her students, all mature learners in the 40 to 90 age group. Some, she adds, are even seniors experiencing the onset of dementia, for whom art has become both therapy and release.

A Classroom of Late Bloomers

Push is quick to point out how different it is to teach older students. “Most young parents send their children for art classes more as a trend. As time goes by, school activities take up most of their attention, and the first thing they opt out of to accommodate their numerous ‘lessons’ is art! On the other hand, an older person, who hasn’t touched a paintbrush since leaving school, starts painting and awakens a creative side that may have been dormant all their lives... It’s altogether a different experience!”

Her students, she says, are fuelled by passion rather than obligation. “My students are very passionate about what they are doing, so it was not a challenge for me nor for them to prepare for this exhibition. We just flocked together, as like-minded enthusiasts, to bring out the best.”

There’s no rigid theme tying the show together. Instead, each participant painted what resonated with them the most. “There’s no theme as such. Everyone painted what resonated with them the most. For one, I love bright colours, so I did a series of Sri Lankan birds.”

A Medium Rediscovered

The exhibition, however, has one striking element: colour pencils. Often dismissed as simple, even juvenile, Push and her students use them to remarkable effect. “The exhibition primarily is a selection of vibrant colour pencil art pieces. It’s going to surprise many to witness what simple colour pencils can do!!” she exclaims.

And what they can do is extraordinary, from delicate feathers of local birdlife to still-life studies full of warmth and vibrancy. Push remembers her own turning point vividly: “The memory of completing my first painting is etched in my mind! It was as if a door that was shut all my life opened, and a beautiful, fulfilling journey began! I just love what I’m doing now!”

Confidence and Connection

For the students, many of whom had never attempted art before, the exhibition is as much about courage as creativity. “An exhibition like this is a confidence-building experience. Especially for an older person, it brings hope at an age when you think that your ‘better days’ are over! Art brings so much joy and exposes one to another dimension. We’ve been working together on this exhibition for just over a year, and the results astound me. The students are very passionate about what they are doing and are truly enjoying themselves!”

Her approach to teaching is gentle but empowering. “90% of my students have never done art in all their lives... I start them off with something very simple: an apple! Gradually, I encourage them to develop their own unique style, and for me it’s so fulfilling to guide them and watch them evolve!”
It’s a philosophy rooted in the belief that creativity is not reserved for the young or the trained; it’s something that can be unlocked at any age.

Finding Purpose Through Teaching

If anything, the experience has been just as transformative for her as for her students. “I never imagined that guiding this age group to paint would be this rewarding. I now know that I’m where I’m meant to be, and I give all Glory, Honour and Praise to my God for enabling me to do what I’m doing to the best of my ability!”

Push’s story, and those of her students, remind us that art isn’t just about technique or talent; it’s about the joy of expression, the thrill of discovery, and the healing that comes with creating something from nothing.

Birds of a Feather reminds us that creativity has no expiry date. These artworks, painstakingly crafted in colour pencil, are more than exercises in technique; they are affirmations of joy, resilience, and discovery. To walk into this exhibition is to celebrate not only art, but also the friendships, stories, and shared spirit that make it possible.