The Art of Nature's Spirit

From corporate life to the canvas, Kamran Qureshi's transition to wildlife painting reveals a deep connection with nature that inspires his extraordinary work.

By Hina Mehreen | Published Oct 1st, 2024

Monals in Clouds KQ

Ahsan Qureshi The Spirit of WILD Bharal Sheep Oil on Canvas 60” X 40”

The grandeur of Himalayas is the backdrop of these magnificent sheep. The dimensions of their abode cannot be explained by words.

Kamran Qureshi, along with his brother Ahsan Qureshi, didn’t just wander into the world of wildlife painting—they carved out a niche, a territory all their own. In a country where wildlife art is a rarity, Kamran stands tall, wielding his brushes with the precision of a surgeon and the soul of a poet.

our most important learning is that relying solely on pictures and videos or internet, misses the point that human eye is the only tool worthy enough to go beyond the cameras.

These cranes are the birds of high skies passing through the upper Himalayas on their annual migration. They give life to the snowy backdrop of highest of mountains. They are the embodiment of elegance, beauty and strength. For Asians they are a symbol of happiness and eternal youth.

Kamran Qureshi: High Skies Demoiselle Cranes Oil on Canvas 91” X 54”

Kamran Qureshi is not just an artist; he’s a man who’s made it his life’s mission to capture the untamed beauty that most people pass by without a second glance. His work isn't the product of fancy art schools or highbrow studios. No, it’s built on childhood memories, those dusty afternoons spent fishing and exploring with his father, out there in the wild where nature is raw, and utterly real.

“I have come from the ‘wild’. ‘wild’ is at the core of my being. I can only paint the ‘wild’ when I can communicate directly with it while I am there.

-- Kamran Qureshi
KQ Camping
KQ Painting
KQ Photography Nature

Kamran bypassed the traditional art path, spending 25 years in corporate product development—a career that paid well and turned his attention to the nature’s beauty—the glint of sunlight on a hawk’s wing, the way an antelope tenses just before a leap, the quiet tension in a predator’s eyes as it waits for the right moment. That’s where his genius lies, in capturing those fleeting moments and freezing them on canvas.

His paintings are stories that tell of life, survival, and the delicate dance between predator and prey. In a world obsessed with digital perfection, Kamran offers something that technology can’t touch. His art doesn’t just capture a moment; it captures the soul of that moment. Every brushstroke carries the weight of experience, every shadow is deliberate, every highlight is earned. When you stand in front of one of his pieces, you don’t just see a painting—you feel it.

Kamran’s method is traditional and immersive, avoiding photographs. He observes firsthand, takes photographs for referencing, sketching on-site, then refining in his studio, showcasing restrained artistry.

Ahsan Qureshi: Summer Mist Western Tragopan Pair Oil on Canvas 52” X 36”

Not easy to find, the population of this pheasant is restricted to a very few places. Enjoying a sight like this is a dreamcome true for serious birdwatchers.

Slight chill in the air marks end September and the onset of Autumn. The vegetation starts to emit beautiful yellow, gold and orange hues. Long morning shadows incite the oriental turtle doves to search for food and water.The scene is mesmerizing

Ahsan Qureshi End September Oriental Turtle Doves Oil on Canvas 48” X 72

Oriental Turtle Doves AQ

Beneath those vibrant colors and lifelike details, there’s a message—a warning, even. We’re losing something precious, he seems to say. The landscapes he paints, so pure and untouched, are vanishing right before our eyes. And while he’s not one to shout from the rooftops, his art speaks volumes. It reminds us of what’s at stake and urges us to take a step back, to look at the world we’re leaving behind. There’s a subtlety, a quiet insistence that leaves you thinking long after you’ve walked away.

Artworks will be on display at PNCA - National Art Gallery Islamabad
27th October - 10 November 2024

Digital news platform for Pakistan’s political, cultural, and global landscapes

Subscribe

Want to get the next edition of our magazine delivered straight to your mailbox? Signing up will only take a minute.
Disclamer: The views and opinions expressed in Margalla Tribune are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the magazine, its editorial team, or its publishers. The content provided in Margalla Tribune is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. The magazine, its editorial team, and its publishers will not be liable for any losses, damages, or claims arising from the use or reliance on the information contained in this publication. If you wish to reproduce or share any content from Margalla Tribune, please ensure proper credit is given to the magazine. Margalla Tribune reserves the right to make changes to the content, format, and availability of the publication at any time without prior notice.
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
×