There were as many as 30 rare water colour paintings, ranging from the landscape of Kerala, rich cultural heritage of Hampi in Karnataka to the scenic spots of Punjab. Some of the works were unique and outstanding, Neetika Garg, an art curator said yesterday.

His water-colours differ from those of Bengal in terms of the light they radiate as well as the presence of machinery in his compositions, which allows him to steer clear of the calendar variety of works, Garg said.

His mountain-scapes and riverside scenes evoke Chinese calligraphic art which brings him closer to Bengal water colourists, she said. "His treatment of details is sharper and in keeping with the harsh contrast of light and shade which he sometimes hardens with the use of negative space or softens in his scenes of driven snow," she added.