I worked in the corporate field earlier as a middle management software professional for over 13 years. As far as my education goes, I have a degree in Computer Science (BE) a post-graduate degree - again in Computer Science (MS), and a post-graduate diploma (PGDBA) in Marketing. I was neck deep into technology at work and didn't have much idea about fine arts at all. In fact, I hardly had time outside of my work to explore new things. Work was pretty hectic, and kept me on my toes all the time. Over the last few years, work was going smooth and things become a bit too comfortable. That's when I began realizing that it wasn't really adding much value to me! I had hit the "glass ceiling" as far as what I could do at work was concerned. I began feeling the need to try my hands in learning new things, and see what else I could do in life outside the technology arena. Last year, I finally decided to move out of my full-time job and took up freelance consulting work so that I could have more time to explore the world outside.

In the midst of all these activities, one day I chanced upon "Expressions Fine Arts" web-site during a Google Search. The web-site seemed quite interesting, with many of the students' web-pages displaying their works. I got hooked and read the contents of the web-site end-to-end - all the pages! The site also mentioned that the course schedule and timing were flexible - just what I needed. This seemed like the right place to learn painting. I called Ms. Sameena immediately. I told her I hadn't done any serious painting before and wanted to learn the ABCs. She was very friendly, put me at ease, and asked me to get a few of the water-colors I had done earlier. The next day, I was at Expressions Fine Arts and showed my water colors to both Ms. Sameena & Mr. Sharif. I also looked around and talked to a few students who were far advanced in their works. I wondered whether I could ever get there one day. Anyway, I decided to enroll, and since then it has been a pleasure coming here and painting - especially since the teachers and staff are very kind and helpful. They guide new comers like me with a lot of patience, show us every technique, let us try it, and pitch in with help whenever we need. The support & guidance is just right - neither too little, nor too much hand-holding. Even the ambiance of this place is very good - a big and airy hall having a mix of both freshers and students at advanced levels in various fine arts. Since the building is on the backside of Prestige Libra building, most of the traffic noise on Lalbagh road is also absent, thereby making it comfortable to work.