Gopal Murti
I started out as a scientist but ended up as an artist. I worked as a scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for over 33 years. As a Scientist, I worked with sophisticated imaging technology using lasers, microprocessors and microscopes to study the architecture of molecules, viruses, bacteria, cells and tissues. I produced a number of powerful images which are used in Medical and Biology text books, displayed in visual media, and garnered National and International awards including the prestigious Nikon International small world competitions.
When I retired in 2008, I wanted to add another dimension to my scientific vision by becoming an artist. I learned watercolor painting from the renowned Tennessee watercolor artist, Mr. Fred Rawlinson. I paint mainly in watercolor because I love the fluidity, transparency and spontaneity of this medium. My paintings lack a consistent style but usually contain beautiful and diverse subjects, vibrant colors, and light and dark effects. Currently, I am dabbling in other media including acrylic and graphite. So far, I painted about 300 paintings in different media.
Since 2011, I entered 50+ local and national juried art shows, and received a dozen awards including a “Best of Show” award in 2017 in a show sponsored by the Memphis-Germantown Art League (MGAL). The MGAL also elected me as their President (2012-2014) and honored me with their highly selective Spectrum award for creative enthusiasm. I am a Platinum Star member of MGAL. I held solo shows at Tennessee Art Commission (Nashville), Memphis Botanic Garden, CBU Ross Gallery, Kroc Center, WKNO studio and Harrell Theater (Collierville) etc.
